Podcasts about best behavior

Send a textAre you really in love… or are you in love with the version they've been performing?In this completely unplanned episode, Billy is joined last minute by his friends Wolf, Scrappy, and Renny for a raw, unfiltered conversation about love, relationships, and whether you can truly be in love without seeing all sides of someone — the good, the bad, and the dark.We talk about:Falling for someone's “representative”What happens when the mask dropsCan you love someone you haven't fully experienced?Is love possible without conflict?Are we loving potential instead of reality?When do you actually know someone?Why people hide certain sides early in datingOur personal experiences with loving the “wrong version” of someoneThis episode feels like sitting in on a late-night group chat with your friends — honest, funny, uncomfortable, and real.If you've ever wondered:“Do I actually know the person I'm in love with?”…this conversation is for you.Because maybe…it's not love.Maybe it's just their best behavior.Support the show

Robert Norris has lived in Japan since 1983, mostly in Dazaifu, near Fukuoka, Kyushu. After retiring from university teaching in 2016, he returned to his long-standing passion for writing. The result was a heartfelt memoir about his life – and his mother's – titled: The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: Pentimento Memories of Mom and Me (Tin Gate, 2023). In this episode with John Ross, we hear about Robert's decades in Japan, from his early days learning Japanese through a local softball team, to his later academic career, including his time as a university dean. Naturally, the conversation also turns to books, and some of his favorite works of Japanese fiction. Books & Authors mentioned: The Woman in the Dunes by Abe Kōbō (published in Japanese in 1962; English edition, and film adaptation 1964).No Longer Human by Dazai Osamu (Original Japanese title Ningen Shikkaku, published 1948, English. Edition 1958).The Breaking Jewel by Oda Makoto (English edition, 2003, translated by Donald Keene) Sakaguchi Ango's short story “The Idiot” ("Hakui," published 1946). In the discussion, Robert Norris referred to the "Buraiha" (無頼派 “decadent school” literary movement), comparing these post-WWII writers to the Beat Generation in the US. The school is associated with Dazai Osamu, Sakaguchi Ango, and contemporaries. Learn more about Robert Norris and his writing at his website. (This episode was originally released on the Bookish Asia Podcast with Plum Rain Press in 2024). The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

What if being a “good woman” isn't actually virtuous — but conditioned? In this episode of This Is Woman's Work, Nicole Kalil sits down with Elise Loehnen, New York Times bestselling author of On Our Best Behavior: The Price Women Pay to Be Good, to dismantle the centuries-old rules that still dictate how women are expected to behave, desire, rest, earn, and lead. Together, they unpack how the seven deadly sins — yes, those — quietly shape modern women's lives, ambitions, bodies, money stories, and relationships. Pride, envy, greed, sloth, lust… turns out they've been weaponized against women for generations, rewarding self-sacrifice and punishing visibility, appetite, and power. This conversation goes deep — into patriarchy, good-girl conditioning, reputational harm, money shame, envy as information, and why women are often both the enforcers and the casualties of these ancient rules. If you've ever felt exhausted by trying to be good, likable, selfless, and low-maintenance all at once… this episode is your permission slip to stop. Because goodness that costs you yourself isn't goodness. It's conditioning. Thank you to our sponsors! Sex is a skill. Beducated is where you learn it. Visit https://beducate.me/bg2602-womanswork and use code womanswork for 50% off the annual pass. Shopify has everything all in one place, making your life easier and your business operations smoother. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/tiww  Connect with Elise: Substack: eliseloehnen.substack.com  IG: https://www.instagram.com/eliseloehnen/  Book: https://www.eliseloehnen.com/onourbestbehavior  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pulling-the-thread-with-elise-loehnen/id1585015034   Related Podcast Episodes: 136 / Mean Girls with Caroline Adams Miller How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 From Mean Girls to Hype Women with Erin Gallagher | 353 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

In a tribute to the 2026 Winter Olympics being held right now in Cortina, Italy, Amy takes up a discussion of skiing in Japan. Japan has hosted the Winter Olympics 2 times: 1972 (Sapporo) and 1998 (Nagano). Amy introduces previous Washington Post Tokyo Bureau Chief T.R. Reid's guidebook called Ski Japan! (Kodansha, 1993). T.R. Reid lived in Japan for five years during the early 1990's. When the Gulf War started, the world turned its attention to that news, leaving foreign journalists in Japan with some unexpected free time. Reid and his family took action: they went skiing! The result is his 1993 guide to skiing in Japan, called Ski Japan!Tasked with updating the book for 2026-27 skiing and snowboarding audience, Amy talks about some of the points in Reid's book: things that have changed as well as those that have not, and the affects of mass-tourism on Japan's ski resorts.Ski Resorts Mentioned:Niseko, Asahidake, Furano, Naeba, Hakuba Valley, Madarao and Tangram Ski Circus, and Myoko Ski Resorts.Literary Ski SpotsYasunari Kawabata's Snow Country took place in Yuzawa Onsen, the train station you get off at to get to Naeba Ski Area. There's a Snow Country museum behind the station which is excellent.In Sapporo's Odori Park, there is a statue of Ishikawa Takuboku (1886-1912), author and poet: A Handful Of Sand, Romaji Diary and Sad Toys.In Asahikawa, Hokkaido, there is the lovely, contemplative Miura Ayako Literature Museum dedicated to the Christian novelist who lived from 1922-1999, and wrote Shiokari Pass as well as other works not yet translated into English. It's a lovely 30-40 minute walk through the snow from the back of Asahikawa station.There are also several statues and plaques dedicated to the two Austrian fathers of Japanese Skiing: Theordore Von Lerch and Hannes Schnieder. Von Lerch monuments can be found in the front of Asahikawa Airport in Hokkaido, and at Joetsu, Niigata, the latter considered the birthplace of skiing in Japan.   The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

John Ross talks to Lee Moore about his book, China's Backstory: The History Beijing Doesn't Want You to Read (2025, Unsung Voices Books). The book looks at the four important China-related stories that often make headlines: Taiwan, Xinjiang, the Chinese economy, and Hong Kong. In this conversation, Lee and John focus mainly on the history of Xinjiang and the Uyghurs, but also cover a wide range of other topics. Hoping to reach a broad audience, Lee took an unusual approach to writing China's Backstory; although a scholar, he uses colloquial translations of Chinese texts, peppers his paragraphs with colorful language, and generally has a lot of fun. The approach is sure to generate controversy. The book is factually sound, however (it comes with endnotes), and has numerous literary references, as we would expect from the host of the long-running Chinese Literature Podcast.Lee Moore's book: China's Backstory: The History Beijing Doesn't Want You to Read (2025, Unsung Voices Books).Lee's podcast: Chinese Literature Podcast Lee Moore's book recommendationsHe went with three books on China which he describes as “old school scholarship” and ones that most BOA listeners will likely not have read.  1. Michael Pollak's Mandarins, Jews and Missionaries: Jewish Experience in the Chinese Empire (1980, Jewish Publication Society of America)2. Sarah Paine's Imperial Rivals: China, Russia and Their Disputed Frontier (1996, M. E. Sharpe)3. Hodong Kim's Holy War in China: The Muslim Rebellion and State in Chinese Central Asia, 1864-1877 (2004, Stanford University Press)     The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Amy muses on the death of guidebooks due to the internet and reminisces about some oldies but goodies on Japan, from John Murray's Handbook for Travellers in Japan (1891) to more recent guidebooks specializing in hiking mountains and pilgrimages. Books MentionedJohn Murray's Handbook for Travellers in Japan (1890's)Japanese Customs and Manners by Mock Joya (Sakurai Shoten/JTB, 1951)Japanese Etiquette: An Introduction (World Fellowship Committee of the Tokyo WYCA, Charles E Tuttle Co., 1955)Japanese Etiquette, by Bun Nakajima (1955, 1957)Western Manners and English Conversation, by Glenn F. Baker (Sanseido, 1937)Japan Inside Out by Jay, Sumi & Garet Gluck (1964, 1992)Tokyo Subway Guide: Including 40 Bilingual Station Maps, by Boye Lafayette DeMente (Kodansha, 2002)A Guide to Food Buying in Japan, by Caroyn R. Krouse (Tuttle, 1986)A Birdwatcher's Guide to Japan, by Mark Brazil (Kodansha International, 1987)Etiquette Guide to Japan, by Boye De Mente (Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1990)Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan (Stone Bridge Press, 2018)Hiking and Trekking the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji by Tom Fay and Wes Lang (Cicerone, 2019)Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, by Kat Davis (Cicerone, 2019) The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

The Man Who Loved China by Simon Winchester (with Tim McGirk)John Ross talks with Tim McGirk about Simon Winchester's masterpiece, The Man Who Loved China. That man was Joseph Needham, an eccentric Cambridge biochemist who traveled through war-torn China to document the nation's scientific heritage. The ensuing book series, Science and Civilisation in China, revealed the world's debt to Chinese science. John and Tim discuss the “Needham Question” (why China, once the global leader in technology, fell behind) and the scandal that almost ended his academic career. McGirk, a former foreign correspondent who knows Winchester from his early journalism days, shares some reporting anecdotes. Tim also explains how the life of Joseph Needham inspired his own historical novel, The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers. Books mentionedThe Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom by Simon Winchester (HarperCollins, 2008).Science and Civilisation in China: Needham's monumental series. Volume 1 was published by Cambridge University Press in 1954.The Diamond Sutra: considered the world's oldest dated printed book (AD 868).The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers by Tim McGirk (Plum Rain Press, 2025) People mentionedJoseph Needham: The Cambridge scientist who documented China's early scientific achievements.Lu Gwei-djen: A scientist from Nanjing who sparked Needham's interest in Chinese culture, and, after a 51-year romance, his second wife.Dorothy Needham: Joseph's first wife and a fellow brilliant scientist.H.T. Huang: A refugee from Malacca who served as Needham's secretary during his epic China expeditions.Zhou Enlai: The Premier of the People's Republic of China and Needham's wartime friend who invited him to investigate biological warfare allegations. Selected locations mentionedCambridge University, the UK, specifically Caius College (pronounced “keys”).Chungking (Chóngqìng): China's wartime capital.Dunhuang: Home of the Mogao Grottos, a vast complex of Buddhist cave temples in northwest China, and where the Diamond Sutra was discovered.    The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

This episode of the Books on Asia podcast introduces new fiction and non-fiction on Japan to be published this year, along with two upcoming books on Taiwan. We present the books here in the order they appear on the podcast. Listen to the episode for more information on each title:Phantom Paradise: Escape from Manchuria, by Kay Enokido(Bold Story Press, January 13, 2026)Kokun: The Girl from the West, by Nahoko Uehashi (transl. Cathy Hirano)(Europa Editions, January 13, 2026)When the Museum Is Closed, by Emi Yagi (transl. Yuki Tejima)(Soft Skull Press, January 27, 2026)Hooked: A Novel of Obsession, by Asako Yuzuki (transl. Polly Barton)(HarperVia, March 17, 2026)Sisters in Yellow, by Mieko Kawakami (transl. Laurel Taylor and Hitomi Yoshio)(Knopf, March 31, 2026)Hollow Inside, by Asako Otani (transl. Ginny Tapley Takemori)(Pushkin Press, May 5, 2026)Japan's Anime Revolution!: Twenty Animated Films That Changed the World, by Jonathan Clements(Tuttle Publishing, May 12, 2026)Troubled Waters, by Ichiyō Higuchi (transl. Bryan Karetnyk)(Pushkin Press Classics, May 26, 2026)Upcoming 2026 Releases from Plum Rain Press : Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox, by Tyrel EskelsonRelease date to be announcedHidden Formosa: Life and Travels in Rural Taiwan, an anthology( ed. John Ross)Release date to be announced The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Thomas Bird was living in Southern China when he decided to explore the country by train and write a book about it. He first attempts to trace the steps of Bruce Chatwin after reading an article of his in the New York Times, but eventually decides to just go with the flow, traveling far and wide on China's old railway during the pre-Covid years 2014-2019. He seeks out old lines and trains and chronicles the people he meets along the way to tell readers what China is like today. The result is Harmony Express: Travels by Train Through China.Books and authors included in the discussionRiding the Iron Rooster (1988), by Paul TherouxForgotten Kingdom: Nine Years in Yunnan 1939-48 by Peter Goullart (1955)The Great Walk of China: Travels on Foot from Shanghai to Tibet (2010), by Graham EarnshawBruce Chatwin and Joseph Rock. The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

The 1910 Japan-Britain Exhibition – with Formosa FilesIn this special crossover episode, John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith from Formosa Files: the History of Taiwan Podcast explore how Japan showcased its “model colony” of Formosa (1895–1945). First up is the 1910 Japan–British Exhibition in London, which featured human exhibits – 24 Indigenous Paiwan people from southern Taiwan. Next, they follow Crown Prince Hirohito on his 1923 royal tour of the island, before finishing with the 1935 Taiwan Exposition, a massive event commemorating forty years of rule. To learn more about these stories – and to find other episodes – visit the Formosa Files website.Book recommendation: The primary source for the story of Paiwan tribespeople at the London Exhibition was Lost Histories: Recovering the Lives of Japan's Colonial Peoples by Kirsten Ziomek (Harvard Asia Center, 2019). The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Amy reads from The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. Chapter 1: The War Widow In 1997, Amy moved to a small island of just 950 people in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. She rented an akiya (empty house) from a widow whose soldier-husband had died in WWII. Six years later, when the widow dies, Amy purchases her home and must finally clear out the old woman's possessions. This is when Amy becomes fascinated with the woman, her life of hardship, and her will to overcome the past. The mystery of this woman's life prompts the author to set out on a year-long journey around the Shiraishi Island to interview the villagers who knew her best.  The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

John Ross, during his schoolboy days in New Zealand, was interested in far-flung places such as South America, Papua New Guinea, Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as books on World War One and Two. He read a lot of youth fiction starting at 10 years old, but as a teenager, had a voracious appetite for nonfiction. In his 20s he discovered a few wonderful fiction writers, but has still kept mostly to nonfiction through the decades.His first books were Willard Price's Adventure series and Gerald Durrell books on real-life animal collecting. He also read detective and war stories (Biggles) and lots of travel accounts and travel guides.Robert Louis Stevenson was a favorite—Treasure Island, Kidnapped—and later discovered that Stevenson was a very good essayist too. John also enjoyed Rudyard Kipling's Kim.The ancient Greeks left a great impression on him: Herodotus (The Histories) and Thucydides (The Peloponnesian War)In his early 20s he started reading proper literature:Anna Karenina, Dr Zhivago, George Orwell, and Joseph Conrad. He loved Peter Hopkirk's The Great Game series featuring colorful adventurers and spies in exotic locations. In his early 30s he discovered Raymond Chandler and in his 40s H.P. Lovecraft.For books on Asia and East Asia, he started reading about Burma in the late 1980s, and early 1990s, and Mongolia in the mid-1990s, and increasingly China and Taiwan, and even some works on Japan.Some well known book titles that made an early impression were Lost Horizon by James Hilton, Burmese Days by George Orwell, The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, and Jonathan Spence's China books. Also books on Asia by Maurice Collis.Amy's ReadingAs a child, Amy remembers reading Black Beauty (Anna Sewell, 1877), Walter Farley's series The Black Stallion (1941), and a book called Ponies Plot (Janet Hickman, 1971). She loved all the required reading for school (some books now banned): English literature such as Graham Greene's Brighton Rock, Shakespeare's plays, and lots of Roald Dahl, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach; and American authors John Steinbeck (1930s–1950s), J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye (1951), Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter (1850), Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (1964) and A Separate Peace (1959) by John Knowles. She recalls that in first grade, her teacher read to the class Little Pear (1931), by Eleanor Francis Lattimore, about a Chinese boy.From her parents' book collection she read Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott (1868), and  Wuthering Heights (1847) Emily Bronte as well as stories by Charlotte Bronte and other classics.In college she moved into more popular literature, again much of it required reading for her classes: works by Thomas Pynchon, Jerzy Kosiński, Blind Date (1977) and The Painted Bird (1965) the latter of which—notably—had a scene on bestiality and would probably be banned as college reading these days!.In high school, her father paid her to read books, and she vividly remembers excerpts from Henry Hazlitt's The Foundations of Morality (1964), which still influences her choices in life today. She credits her father's books for her interest in philosophy and a basic understanding of free-market economics.Once she knew she was headed to Japan, she read Edwin Reischauer's  The Japanese Today (1988), and Japan as Number One, by Ezra Vogel (1979) which were her first books to read about Asia (other than Shogun). For most of her childhood she preferred non-fiction and didn't start reading fiction seriously till she arrived in Japan and read Haruki Murakami. Now she reads everything!At the end of the podcast Amy & John encourage listeners to write in to ask for suggestions on what books on Asia to give friends or family. They'll choose one to talk about at the end of each show with appropriate suggested reading. Since the BOA Podcast doesn't have an email address (yet), they ask you submit requests via social media:Follow BOA on Facebook and contact via Messenger or sign up for the BOA newsletter, from which you can reply directly to each email. There is a BOA Twitter (X) account, but they appear to be locked out at the moment (sigh).They also ask listeners to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share it with your friends so that Amy & John can have a happier holiday.May your holidays be bibliophilic: full of black ink, long words, excessive pages and new books! The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Lan Su Garden is a magnificent Ming scholar garden in downtown Portland, Oregon. It opened in 2000, a collaboration between sister cities Portland and Suzhou, hence the name: Lan Su. Photographer and local resident Carol Isaak found refuge there during the Covid pandemic, fell in love with it, and began photographing the oasis through the following seasons and years. The result: her photographic book, Seasons: Lan Su Chinese Garden, published in 2025 by Seattle-based bookstore and publisher Chin Music Press.Carol and John chat about Lan Su, the Asian-American community in the Northwest, and Suzhou's rich heritage as a center of book culture and scholar gardens, especially during the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644).Also mentioned is the graphic novel We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration by authors Frank Abe, Tamiko Nimura, and illustrators Ross Ishikawa and Matt Sasaki (Chin Music Press, 2021).To see Carol's work, including photographs of Lan Su, visit her website.  The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

The islands, in order of appearance in the episode, are: Geomun Island (Port Hamilton); the garden island of Oedo (Oe Island – “do” is the Korean word for “island”); Geojedo, site of an important Korean War POW camp and often spelled “Koje”;Ulleungdo and the nearby disputed islets of Dokdo; and the fictional island of Sukhan.Books mentioned in this Episode:A Korean Odyssey: Island Hopping in Choppy Waters (2020) by Michael GibbAnglo-Korean Relations and the Port Hamilton Affair, 1885–1887 (2016) by Stephen A. RoyleThe Hijacked War: The Story of Chinese POWs in the Korean War, (2020) by David Cheng ChangWar Trash (2004) by Ma JinIsland of Fantasy: A Memoir of an English Teacher in Korea (2005) by Shawn MatthewsThe Korea Story (1952) by John C. CaldwellThe Cuttlefish (2005) by Chris Tharp The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Books discussed in this episode, in order of appearance:The Last Great Australian Adventurer: Ben Carlin's Epic Journey Around the World by Amphibious Jeep (Random House Australia, 2017) by Gordon BassOnce a Fool: From Japan to Alaska by Amphibious Jeep by Boye De MenteJapanese Swords and Armor: Masterpieces from Thirty of Japan's Greatest Samurai Warriors (Tuttle, 2024) by Paul MartinThe Modern Japanese Garden by Stephen Mansfield (Thames & Hudson, 2025)The Wondrous Elixir of The Two Chinese Lovers (Plum Rain Press, 2025) by Tim McGirkChina Running Dog, (Plum Rain Press, 2025) by Mark KittoAn American Bum in China: Featuring the Bumblingly Brilliant Escapades of Expatriate Matthew Evans (Camphor Press, ) by Tom Carter (Available in Audio book format, narrated by Eryk Michael Smith)The Cuttlefish, by Chris Tharp (Plum Rain Press, 2025) A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa (Plum Rain Press, 2024) by Yao-Chang ChenThe Lotus Moon: Art and Poetry of Buddhist Nun Ōtagaki Rengetsu (Floating World Editions, 2023) by John StevensOther podcasts mentioned:BOA Ep. 56:Ted Goosen on translating Hiromi Kawakami's The Third LoveFormosa Files Podcast about the Amphibious JeepBOA Ep. 39: Paul Martin on Japanese Swords and ArmorBOA Ep. 48: Stephen Mansfield on The Modern Japanese GardenBOA Ep.54: Mark Kitto on China Running DogBOA Ep. 35: John Stevens on The Healing Power of Ōtagaki RengetsuFormosa Files Podcast: Taiwan and Xu Fu, and the Two Chinese Lovers with Tim McGirkFormosa Files Podcast: A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa Bookish Asia Podcast: Chris Tharp on The Cuttlefish The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Amy Chavez has a deep discussion with Ted Goossen about Japan, it's emerging culture, it's historically strong women and how Japanese literature and its themes, are changing. In addition to talking about Hiromi Kawakami's novel The Third Love, other mentioned in this podcast episode are feminist Chizuko Ueno, translator John Bester and authors Kanzaburo Oe, Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, Masuji Ibuse and Mieko Kawakami. Goossen is currently reading books by Ruth Ozeki, and short stories by various authors. One older book that made an impression on him was The Anatomy of Dependence by psychologist Takeo Doi, which examines the idea of dependency in relationships among the Japanese.   The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Sam Baldwin tells John Ross about some ingredients behind the success of his self-published memoir For Fukui's Sake: Two Years in Rural Japan (the subject of a previous chat between them on the Bookish Asia podcast). They touch on Sam's latest memoir, Dormice & Moonshine: Falling for Slovenia. But the heart of the conversation is some travel book recommendations – and Sam's new project: a review website dedicated to travelogues and travel memoirs: https://travelmemoir.reviewSam's Recommended books (in order of mention):Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan (1999) by Jamie ZeppaSeven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer (Eng. 1953)Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea (2003) and Burma Chronicles (2007) by Guy DelisleTonoharu (parts 1-3, 2008-16) by Lars MartinsonRiver Town: Two Years on the Yangtze (2001) and Country Driving: A Journey from Farm to Factory (2010) by Peter HesslerLost Japan (1993) by Alex KerrThe Same Moon (2020) by Sarah Coomber The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

In his novel China Running Dog, a young man in his early twenties lives in Shanghai in the year 2000, in a greed-crazed free-for-all moral and lawless vacuum created by the Chinese Communist Party. Johnny Trent, small-time entrepreneur from Basildon in the UK, ends up in China, where he meets Felix Fawcett-Smith, fresh off the boat and from the other side of the tracks. An unlikely friendship begins.Johnny impresses the well-bred Felix with his street smarts until Felix takes Johnny's advice too literally – and too far – and slips into Shanghai's murky underbelly. He enters a world where the Party, power, and connections to them, are all that matter, where criminals are given sainthoods and saints sent to hell.Johnny tries to stop Felix's spiral, not least because Felix is taking a sweet, angelic girl, Anita, down with him and Johnny has feelings for Anita that he has never dared to put into words. But Felix thinks he knows best. Like Johnny, all he wants is respect.It's up to Johnny to save whoever he can, besides himself.Books mentioned in this podcast: Shanghai Baby by Wei Hui, Shanghai by Richie Yokomitsu (transl. Dennis Washburn), Candy by Mian MianMark's recommended books on Asia:Six Records of a Floating Life by Shen Fu.Frank Dikötter's trilogy of China,The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers – Tim McGirkThe novel tells the story of archaeologist Ned Sheehan's discovery of two ancient Chinese tombs at a Maya site in southern Mexico. One tomb belongs to Xu Fu, a famous Taoist priest who vanished on a quest for the elixir of immortality at the behest of China's First Emperor. The other houses the emperor's own mother, scandalously revealed to have been Xu Fu's lover.Tim and John talk about what is known about Xu Fu, a historical person, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's obsession with immortality. They speculate on what happened to Xu Fu's large expedition – could he have reached the Americas? Or Japan (where he is known as Jofuku)? John recommends John Dougill's Green Shinto website, which has several pieces regarding Xu Fu in Japan.The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers is published by Plum Rain Press (which John runs), and is available as a paperback and ebook on Amazon stores.Tim McGirk's Book recommendations:The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom (2008) by Simon WinchesterThe Grand Historian (also Records of the Grand Historian) by Sima Qian (there was various translations – the original was published circa 91 BC.)The China Voyage: A Pacific Quest by Bamboo Raft (1994) by Tim SeverinVisit Tim McGirk's website The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Visit http://trademark.church​​ to learn more about Trademark and how you can get involved.  LOVE ∙ SERVE ∙ LEAD 

Lauren Scharf talks about Japan's minka, kominka and akiya houses in Japan.MinkaCon 2025, is an event to be held from Nov. 7-9, in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture. The two-and-a-half-day event features discussions, presentations, workshops and a writers panel for those interested in life in the Japanese countryside and preserving traditional Japanese houses. There will be a bevy of authors present, many of whom we've featured in previous episodes of the Books on Asia podcast: Azby Brown, author of Just Enough (Ep 26);  photographer and writer Everett Kennedy Brown; Alex Kerr (Lost Japan, Finding the Heart Sutra) (Ep 8) who will be beamed in via pre-recorded message; Iain Maloney author of The Only Gaijin in the Village (Ep 24); and David Joiner, author of The Heron Catchers and Kanazawa (Ep. 19).Lauren's recommended books on Japan's countryside: Inaka: Portraits of Life in Rural Japan (various authors)The Only Gaijin in the Village, by Iain MaloneyThe Widow, The Priest and The Octopus Hunter, by Amy ChavezJust Enough by Azby BrownLost Japan by Alex KerrHokkaido Highway Blues, by Will Ferguson   The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa (by Yao-Chang Chen, translated by He Wen-ching)Sitting in for Amy is the duo John Ross & Eryk Michael Smith of Plum Rain Press and the Formosa Files podcast. They discuss their very first book release, a historical novel set in southwestern Taiwan in the mid-1600s. The Dutch East India Company's presence there (1624-1662) came to an end after a series of battles and an epic nine-month siege by the Ming loyalist warlord Koxinga (aka Zheng Chenggong), born from a Japanese mother and a Chinese father. Three Tribes tells the story of the Dutch, the Chinese, and the Indigenous Siraya people. The main protagonist is Maria, the teenage second daughter of Reverend Antonius Hambroeck, who arrives in Formosa in 1648. Although Maria is a fictional character (Dr. Chen's imagined Dutch ancestor), the majority of characters in the story, including her family, are real historical people.A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa was first published in 2012 in Chinese to great acclaim. For the author, Dr. Chen Yao-chang, then in his sixties, it was an unexpected new career as a historical novelist. The novel was translated into English by Ho Wen-ching, a professor and translator.Notes: Tainan is where the Dutch settlement was and is the old capital city.The Dongning Kingdom was from 1661-1883Frederick Coyett was the last Dutch Governor. See also:Formosa Files Podcast the best podcast on the history of TaiwanPlum Rain Press Your book gateway to East Asia  The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Asia Bookroom exhibits their most precious items at rare and antiquarian book fairs in Melbourne, Sydney, and Hong Kong. Look for them at the Sydney Rare Book Fair from Oct. 23-25. In this podcast we discuss some of the items on offer at the Sydney Rare Book Fair:The Disputed Islands Controversial Japanese Map by Hayashi Shihei from around 1790. This is a manuscript copy (written by hand), and includes the Takeshima/Dokdo islands indicating they belong to Korea.A silk sample book from the 1950sA Japanese policeman's notebook from shortly after Japan took over Taiwan. It details experiences with indigenous people of Taiwan.Materials from Communist ChinaBooks:The Tokyo Higher Normal School: Life of the Japanese Women of Today (from 1937)Samurai Tales: Manuscript Writing's on Revenge Killings and LoyaltyBooks mentioned in the podcast:The Shortest History of Japan, by Lesley Downer, China Running Dog by Mark Kitto, Samurai and Silk, by Haru Matsukata Reischauer.Books recommended by Sally Burdon:Myself a Mandarin by Austin Coates, about Hong Kong,Country Driving by Peter HestingsGhosts of the Tsunami by Richard Lloyd ParryYou can visit Asia Bookroom online at https://www.asiabookroom.com/      The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Adelstein introduces the people behind Mt. Gox, one of the world's largest Bitcoin exchanges, based in Tokyo and run by Frenchman Mark Karpeles. As a reporter for The Daily Beast, Japan-based Adelstein starts researching Mt. Gox, to figure out how it got hacked, and how it collapsed i 2014 with over 650,000 Bitcoins gone missing. He covers the laws, customs and quirks of Japan's hostage-justice system and how the entire investigation into Karpeles and Mt. Gox played out. And yes, it includes cats! The Devil Takes Bitcoin: Cryptocurrency Crimes and the Japanese Connection will be published by Scribe, Oct. 14, 2025.Jake is an book junkie who reads across a variety of genres. He is currently reading:The Mysterious Mr. Nakamoto by Benjamin Wallace about the founder of Bitcoin.The Sweet Spot by Paul Bloom大阪府警暴力団担当刑事Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

In this episode we cover traditional Japanese gardens and how ancient gardens were related to nature, geomancy, literature and Japanese concepts of wabi-sabi, yugen, and mono no aware. but how garden design shifted from symbolism and representation to a more naturalistic style as seen in Murin-an, a garden in kyoto. Essays on garden design include entries by Ogawa Jihei (1860-1933), Kengo Kuma, Mira Locher, Japanese monk & garden designer Masuno Shunmyo, and garden historian, critic, and author Tim Richardson.Some of the gardens discussed are: Kagawa Prefectural Office in Takamatsu city, Kengo Kuma and Nezu Museum, Osaka Station Roof Garden, Hyakudanen on Awajishima Island in Hyogo (designed by Tadao Ando), the Carbon Fibre Garden in Tokyo, and the pop-art garden at Teshima Yokoo House. The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Books discussed include:Korean Wilds and Villages (1938) by Swedish zoologist Sten BergmanThe Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why it Matters, by BR MeyersAbsurdistan, by (2006) by Gary ShteyngartCat's Cradle, by Kurt VonnegutThe Cuttlefish (2005) by Chris Tharp The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive news of the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Amy Chavez and Hector Garcia discuss his recently released book, The Spirit of Shinto, and how Shinto's worldview permeates pop culture—anime, manga, films—where good and evil often blur, echoing the idea that kegare (dirt, corruption) must be cleansed rather than destroyed. Unlike Western religions where God is above, Shinto gods exist among people, as seen in Makoto Shinkai's films or games like Ghost in the Shell and Nintendo's video games. Hector, a Tokyoite himself, urges people to seek the Shinto "awe" in their daily lives since Shinto should not be explained but lived. At the very end of the episode, Garcia talks about his just-released novel Eternity in Kyoto a techno thriller with a love story that employs the Shinto concept of crossing through a gate and entering a parallel world. The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Podcast host Amy Chavez is author of The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. and Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.The Books on Asia website posts book reviews, podcast episodes and episode Show Notes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service or to the Books on Asia newsletter to receive in your inbox the latest new book releases, reviews and podcast episodes.

Amy Chavez opens the show by asking Friedman to give a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 25, 2025. Friedman then turns to the reason for writing his book, co-authored by music journalist John Weiderhorn. Friedman talks about the co-writing process and describes it as “putting his musical abilities into words.” His latest solo release, Drama, he calls his best and most romantic work to date — a largely orchestral album that stretches beyond his usual style.Beyond music, Friedman reflects on being a “foreign talento” on Japanese TV, participating in variety shows, commercials, and thoughts on the Japanese entertainment industry. He reveals his inner growth writing the anime theme song Kirei na Senritsu (Beautiful Melody) for Kotoko. Friedman also shares his favorite Japanese book, Ai no Eigyō Hōshin (The Principles of Love Management) by Japanese producer Tsunku, advising young Japanese men on how to cultivate confidence. His favorite J-Pop songs are AKB48's “Heavy Rotation” which he recalls performing with them at the Budokan. He praises Kahala Tomomi's “I'm Proud” as an example of the Japanese concept of heta-uma which he explains at length in the podcast discussion. He points to Ikimono Gakari as another recommendation for those interested in learning more about J-Pop. For the full Show Notes with hyperlinks to Friedman's songs and a book review of his memoir Dreaming Japanese, visit the Books on Asia website at www.booksonasia.net   The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Amy Chavez is author of Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan and The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. Check out theBooks on Asia website for book reviews and podcast episodes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service.

A few of Takemori's favorite books on Japan are:Hitomachi, a photo book by Araki NoboyoshiWalking The Kiso Road by William Scott Wilson (See our podcast episode with the author)The Catalpa Bow by Carmen BlackerTakemori's upcoming translations are Grave of the Fireflies by Akiyuki Nosaka (Penguin Modern Classics,  Sept. 2025), Hollow Inside by Asako Otani (2026) and Family of the Wasteland by Atsushi Sato (May 2027).Read a book review of Mornings Without Mii (previous title Mornings With My Cat Mii) on the BOA website.Subscribe to the Books on Asia podcast. The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Amy Chavez is author of Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan and The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. Check out theBooks on Asia website for book reviews and podcast episodes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service.

Grateful Friday!Why Jodi is begging Murphy and Sam to be on their best behavior.The key to a mom's mental health! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this profoundly insightful episode, Dr. Dan welcomes back New York Times bestselling author and cultural thought leader Elise Loehnen to explore the power and necessity of shadow work. Together, they dive into Jungian psychology, the cost of cultural conditioning, and the stories we unconsciously carry that shape who we believe we must be. Elise talks to Dr. Dan about the journey that led to her latest project, Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness—a transformational guidebook co-written with coach Courtney Smith. From the drama triangle to internal family systems to working with the “eight sins,” this conversation is packed with tools and reflections to help you move from ego to soul, knowledge to wisdom, and fear to empowerment. Key Topics on this new episode include: what lives in our shadow—and why it matters; the cultural cost of being “good” vs. becoming whole; using anger, fear, and envy as tools for healing and growth; and the shadow's role in leadership, parenting, and cultural change. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on identifying their unconscious stories, tools to integrate repressed parts of themselves, and a new lens through which to see themselves—and others—with compassion and clarity. For more information eliselunen.substack.com and follow @eliselunen on Instagram. Check out Elise's podcast Pulling the Thread and her book On Our Best Behavior. Listen to Dan's previous conversation with Elise On our Best Behavior. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let's make it a great one. – Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the crew chopped it up about: - Jayson Tatum's injury and its impact - The second round of NBA playoffs - Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors They also reviewed WWE's Backlash PLE and more. Tap in! Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/hnYuRD0bswI?feature=share Get at us: https://linktr.ee/TECKFoul

Lina Terrell is a translator of Japanese historical texts. Today we are going to talk about her recently released translation of The Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom: An Okinawan History (JPIC, 2025) by Takara Kurayoshi, a native of Okinawa. Before Okinawa, the unified and independent Ryukyu Kingdom existed for 400 years. What was this island nation like and what kind of world did it exist in? Author and Okinawa native Takara Kurayoshi plumbs the depths of Okinawa's distant and obscure past.Amy and Lina discuss the Ryukyu Kingdom before it became a part of Japan. They discuss noro priestesses, sea pirates, and trade with China.Lina's favorite books on Japan are:The Roads to Sata: A 2000-Mile Walk through Japan b Alan BoothThe World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan by Ivan Morris The Books on Asia Podcast is sponsored by Stone Bridge Press. Check out their books on Japan at the publisher's website.Amy Chavez, podcast host, is author of Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan and The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island.Books on AsiaTwitter: @BooksOnAsiaSubscribe to the BOA podcast at https://linktr.ee/booksonasia

Tony and Johnsy go over so things you should and things you should not do while dining out. Some topics seem obvious, but how many have you seen violated?

Igor Prusa, Ph.D. is a Czech scholar in Japanese and media studies, currently affiliated with Ambis University Prague and Metropolitan University Prague. He received PhDs in media studies at Prague's Charles University and at the University of Tokyo. His research interests include media scandals in Japan and anti-heroism in popular fiction. Today we're going to talk about his new book, Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual (Routledge, 2024). He recently started teaching a course at the University of Vienna on the subject.Prusa explains his definition of a scandal, emphasizing its public revelation and media framing. He highlights the Unification Church scandal involving former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, noting its unique trigger by a tragedy and the role of foreign media in revealing information. Prusa also discusses narrative aspects and media event characteristics of Japanese scandals, concluding that while controversies often serve as rituals, they rarely lead to fundamental societal improvements.They then mull over two major Japanese scandals. The first is the Olympus scandal of 2011, exposed by CEO Michael Woodford, which involved hiding company losses for over 20 years through creative accounting and mergers. The scandal was initially covered by outside media, with the Financial Times playing a crucial role. The Nissan scandal, involving CEO Carlos Ghosn, revealed millions in personal financial gains and a conflict between Japanese and French governance. Ghosn's extravagant lifestyle and a planned merger with Renault further fueled public outrage. This conversation also highlights the role of media in scandal coverage and the cultural nuances of whistleblowing in Japan.Lastly, Prusa tells what his 3 favorite books on Japan are:1. Shimbun Kisha (新聞記者) by Isoko Mochizuki  (望月衣塑子). Written in Japanese, this book provides insights into the role of journalists in Japan and how they have helped expose various scandals, including the Moritomo Gakuen and Shiori Ito rape cases. The book inspired a 2019 Japanese film by the same name.2. Media and Politics in Japan edited by Susan Pharr and Ellis Krauss, with a chapter on political scandals by Maggie Farley. This is a classic introduction to understanding the relationship between media and politics in Japan.3. Idols and Celebrity in Japanese Media Culture edited by Patrick Galbraith and Jason Karlin. Offers valuable insights into the role of idols and celebrities in Japanese media and culture, and how scandals can emerge in this context.Be sure to check out Igor Prusa's book Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual.Visit him on social media at the following links:Academic website: https://mup.academia.edu/IgorPrusaLinkedIn (follow here for the latest Japanese scandals and Prusa's analysis)Facebook The Books on Asia Podcast is sponsored by Stone Bridge Press. Check out their books on Japan at the publisher's website.Amy Chavez, podcast host, is author of Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan and The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island.Books on AsiaTwitter: @BooksOnAsiaSubscribe to the BOA podcast at https://linktr.ee/booksonasia

Have you ever felt like you were following invisible rules you didn't agree to? Do you catch yourself playing small, staying “good,” or holding back while others take up space? And what if those subconscious beliefs—about power, success, and even desire—aren't actually yours?In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Elise Loehnen, a writer, editor, and cultural critic known for her sharp insights on power, patriarchy, and personal growth. As the former Chief Content Officer at Goop, Elise helped shape the modern wellness landscape before turning her focus to deconstructing the subconscious rules that shape our lives. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of On Our Best Behavior, which explores how deeply ingrained cultural norms—particularly the Seven Deadly Sins—still dictate women's behavior today.Together, Scott and Elise dive into the hidden forces that govern us, how to unlearn restrictive narratives, and why recognizing our own internalized biases is the key to true liberation. If you've ever felt stuck in a system that doesn't quite serve you, this episode will give you the perspective shift you need.Topics We Break Down:The Cultural Programming We Can't See – How we internalize and reinforce social norms without even realizing it.The Patriarchy Isn't Just ‘Men' – Understanding how women also uphold and police patriarchal structures.Envy as a Compass – Why the things (and people) that trigger us the most might be showing us what we truly want.How We Keep Ourselves Small – The self-imposed rules that hold us back, and how to rewrite them.Moving from ‘Against' to ‘For' – Shifting from resistance to creation, and learning how to build the world we actually want.Tune in for an honest, mind-expanding conversation that just might change the way you see yourself—and the world around you.

In this episode of the Books on Asia podcast, Amy Chavez talks with Baye McNeil talk about being a black minority in Japan, Japanese views of black people, the "African Samurai," the arrival of Commodore Perry in 1854 (who brought a minstrel show with him who performed "blackface"), and some of the media's portrayals of black people in both the US and Japan. He cites the original Calpis beverage label with a blackface character and mentions tropes in Japanese television. He suggests Japanese change the way they tell stories and  use biracial people to represent black people rather than their own representations of black people. He also reflects on teaching English in Japan, the power of propaganda, and the idea of "American exceptionalism."As a writer, columnist, and activist, Baye McNeil writes about diversity and inclusiveness. McNeil is a columnist for The Japan Times (English) where he writes the monthly column called "Black Eye" about the African American experience living in Japan and also writes for Toyokeizai Online (Japanese) where he shares reflections on life and race, as well as profiling people of color who are reshaping Japan's cultural landscape. He is author of two previous books: Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist and Loco in Yokohama, both of which offer accounts of life as a visible minority in Japan. His latest book is Words By Baye, Art By Miki: Crafting a Life Together with Affection, Creativity, and Resilience.Baye's favorite books on Japan are Shogun, Gaijin, and James Clavell's entire series.Be sure to check out Baye's bookWords By Baye, Art By Miki: Crafting a Life Together with Affection, Creativity, and Resilience available on Amazon.Visit him on social media at the following links:Website: www.bayemcneil.comAmazonGoodreadsFacebookLinkedInInstagram The Books on Asia Podcast is sponsored by Stone Bridge Press. Check out their books on Japan at the publisher's website.Amy Chavez, podcast host, is author of Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan and The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island.Books on AsiaTwitter: @BooksOnAsiaSubscribe to the BOA podcast at https://linktr.ee/booksonasia

If you have kids, or a friends with people who do...you have heard of Bluey! We are excited to try this blue cereal! Then another letdown from Best Behavior, and some store brand Frosted Flakes scores big!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cereal-killers--4294848/support.

Podcast host Amy Chavez talks with Michael Pronko, a Tokyo-based writer of murder, memoir, and music. He is professor of American Literature at Meiji Gakuen University. During his over 20 years in the country, he has written for Newsweek Japan, The Japan Times, and Artscape Japan, and has been featured on NHK TV and Nippon television. He also runs the website Jazz in Japan, which covers the vibrant jazz scene in Tokyo and Yokohama. Today, we're going to talk about Pronko's fiction, as well as his nonfiction books, including his most recently released Tokyo Tempos.Pronko's "Detective Hiroshi" series includes:The Last TrainThe Moving BladeTokyo TrafficTokyo ZangyoAzabu GetawayShitamachi Scam (which we talk about on the podcast today)Pronko's "Tokyo Moments" series includes:Beauty and ChaosTokyo's Mystery DeepensMotions and MomentsTokyo Tempos (which we talk about on the podcast today)Pronko's favorite books on Japan are:Empire of Signs by Roland BarthesThe Anatomy of Dependence by Takeo DoiYou Gotta Have Wa and Tokyo Junkie by Robert WhitingThe Zen books by D.T. Suzuki, and anything by Donald RichieYou can find Michael Pronko online at his website (http://www.michaelpronko.com) and at the following links on social media:AmazonInstagramGoodreadsFacebookLinkedInTwitter (X) @pronkomichael The Books on Asia Podcast is sponsored by Stone Bridge Press. Check out their books on Japan at the publisher's website.Amy Chavez, podcast host, is author of Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan and The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island.Books on AsiaTwitter: @BooksOnAsiaSubscribe to the BOA podcast at https://linktr.ee/booksonasia

Mike Vrabel is here and ushered in a new era of Patriots football which Fitzy and Mego believe is for the best. Is the same Vrabel we saw at the introductory press conference going to be the same Vrabel we see with more time on the job? Then, Vrabel looks destined to be gaining more power and factoring into more decisions about the roster which is not good news for Eliot Wolf. And, Wolf was mentioned the most by Vrabel, but this might not be a destined relationship that Robert Kraft might want to have happen.

Chapter 1 What's On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen"On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good" by Elise Loehnen explores the complex relationship women have with societal expectations and the inherent pressures to conform to traditional ideals of goodness. Loehnen examines the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust—arguing that while these traits are often viewed negatively, they can also serve as powerful expressions of strength and autonomy for women. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, cultural analysis, and historical research, she highlights how these societal norms shape women's identities and behaviors. Loehnen encourages readers to embrace their true selves, challenge conventional notions of virtue, and navigate the balance between being 'good' in a society that often restricts freedom and authenticity. Her provocative insights aim to empower women to reclaim their right to express desire, ambition, and individuality without fear of judgment.Chapter 2 On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen Summary"On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good" by Elise Loehnen explores the societal expectations placed on women and how these pressures can lead to detrimental effects on their lives, decisions, and well-being. The book delves into the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins—wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony—framing them not just as moral failings but as a reflection of the ways women's behavior is policed by culture. Key Themes and Insights: Cultural Expectations: Loehnen examines how women are conditioned to behave in ways that align with traditional notions of "goodness," often sacrificing their own needs and desires to meet these unrealistic standards. Freedom in Authenticity: The author argues that embracing so-called deadly sins can lead to personal freedom and authenticity. She encourages readers to redefine what it means to be "good" and to reject the guilt associated with desires and behaviors that go against societal norms. Intersectionality: The book highlights how race, class, and sexual orientation intersect with gender, complicating the experience of being a woman in today's world. Empowerment through Vulnerability: Loehnen shares personal anecdotes and stories from other women to illustrate the importance of vulnerability and the strength that comes from embracing imperfections and complexities in female identities. Actionable Steps: Throughout the narrative, she provides actionable steps for women to reclaim their power, encouraging them to be less concerned with being "nice" and more focused on being honest and true to themselves, thereby dismantling harmful societal expectations. Overall, "On Our Best Behavior" poses challenging questions about morality and societal norms, urging women to consider the real costs of striving for perfection and to embrace a more authentic version of themselves.Chapter 3 On Our Best Behavior AuthorElise Loehnen is an American author known for her thought-provoking writing on social commentary and personal growth. She released her book "On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good" on March 8, 2022. In this work, Loehnen explores the concept of the seven deadly sins from a feminist perspective, discussing how societal expectations and pressures impact women's behavior and self-perception.In addition to "On Our Best Behavior," Elise Loehnen has also contributed to various publications in prominent magazines and is known for her role as a former Chief Content Officer of Goop, where she was involved in developing content around wellness and lifestyle.While "On Our Best Behavior" is her most recognized book to date, she has also co-authored or worked on other projects, though there may not be a significant...

So your classroom has rules and routines (they're on giant posters – you can't miss ‘em.) But what happens when your students start to test boundaries? Miss Jenna MacNulty shares her experience dealing with unexpected behavior challenges, like a student hiding under an umbrella behind a bookshelf for 35 minutes. Hear Jenna's thoughts on balancing discipline with compassion and trying to find a long-term solution. Will she be able to maintain control of her classroom? Or will her administration need to get involved? Resources:Learn  more about Year One and get free classroom resources:  https://yearonepodcast.com/ Follow Miss MacNulty's journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.macnulty/ Follow Miss MacNulty's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.macnultyLearn more about Carnegie Learning: https://www.carnegielearning.com/ 

Music:“California Sunshine” - The Dramatics“Cali Sunshine” - The Game“Holla Back Gurl” - Gwen Stefani

We know as teachers that classroom management is essential, but we also understand that it can be very difficult. Sometimes students are defiant. Sometimes students don't want to work. Sometimes students are antsy and energetic. Sometimes this causes stress and struggles in school. But what if there was a simple solution to create a classroom where things were both predictable and positive? In this week's episode of the This Teacher Life we tackle all of this and more to help get your classroom culture headed in the right direction from the whole year! Episode Notes:  Join the Awesome Academy for This School Year Here:  monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let's Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Looking for Free Classroom Resources to land in Your Inbox This summer? https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Get a free PDF copy of Monica's Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

“Did the Secret Service Protect Trump?” “Liberal Protestors on their Best Behavior” “The Greatest Threat to Democracy” “God Steps in to Save Trump”

The Evidence on the Assassination Attempt on Trump, the RNC Report LIVE with Mike Gallagher, SC Drama at the RNC with Tara and Lee and Liberal Protestors on their Best Behavior

In this episode of the Matriarchy series, we explore how deeply ingrained patriarchal narratives can create a policing effect on the behavior of women.  Author, Elise Loehnen, discusses her book "On Our Best Behavior" which examines how concepts like the seven deadly sins have historically been used to restrict women's behavior and police their adherence to an idealized form of "goodness." Loehnen unpacks the insidious ways women are culturally conditioned from a young age to suppress normal human drives like anger, ambition, and sexuality. And how disrupting rigid gender stereotypes is important when raising the next generation in order to build a more compassionate world.  Jen and Elise discuss: How women are culturally conditioned and expected to embody "goodness" while men are oriented toward power  How concepts like the "seven deadly sins" have historically been used as a patriarchal "punch card" to police women's behavior Why raising boys to have an emotional inner life nurtures positive identity development The current era of politics that calls for women to challenge the patriarchal system while also having compassionate dialogue to build a new, care-centered world where everyone can flourish * * * Thought-Provoking Quotes: “Women are trained for goodness and men are trained for power.” - Elise Loehnen “The worst thing for a woman is reputational harm--just the assigning of her badness. Bad mother. Toxic coworker. Toxic boss. Unkind. She says the wrong thing. And it's sort of impossible to defend yourself against that. We have zero tolerance, and it's very scary.” - Elise Loehnen "We need a culture where the men are like, 'I would like to be more like women. I need to be caring. I want to be nurturing and creative. And yes, I can be strong and I can be masculine, but I also need this underdeveloped muscle.'" - Elise Loehnen Resources Mentioned in This Episode: On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen - https://bit.ly/44tz41D Goop - https://goop.com For the Love of Being Seen and Heard ft. Lori Gottlieb - https://bit.ly/4b8YT9C Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb - https://bit.ly/3JO7FOn Evagrius Ponticus (Fourth Century Christian Monk) - https://bit.ly/4b7zEV5 Pope Gregory on the 7 Deadly Sins - https://bit.ly/3y1J1XK Harvey Weinstein Abuse Cases - https://bit.ly/4b5ktM5 Carol Gilligan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Gilligan In a Different Voice by Carol Gilligan - https://bit.ly/3JQ9IBh   Human Voice by Carol Gilligan - https://bit.ly/3UQ1Rcn Andrew Tate - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Tate Order, Disorder, Reorder (An idea Developed by Richard Rohr) - https://bit.ly/44xzHqK For the Love of The Enneagram ft. Richard Rohr - https://bit.ly/3QzzZaW Loretta Ross - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretta_Ross Guest's Links: Elise's Website - https://www.eliseloehnen.com/ Elise's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eliseloehnen/ Elise's Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/eloehnen Elise's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EliseLoehnen/ Elise's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-loehnen-b867523/ Pulling the Thread (Elise's Stubstack Blog) - https://eliseloehnen.substack.com/ Pulling the Thread (Elise's Podcast) - https://www.eliseloehnen.com/episodes Connect with Jen! Jen's website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmaker Jen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmaker Jen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker?sub_confirmation=1 The For the Love Podcast is a production of Four Eyes Media, presented by Audacy.  Four Eyes Media: https://www.iiiimedia.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Interesting episode today as we try a “new” Frosted Flakes with marshmallows, and 2 brand new executive chef created cereals from Best Behavior…one blueberry and one mocha.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cereal-killers--4294848/support.

Hello beautiful souls! What if instead of reprimanding yourself for feeling envious, you allowed that emotion to show you what you truly want in life? What if you did that for all of the so-called “bad emotions" you have? The angels talk about this all the time in my sessions. How we're too worried about being "good" that we stop living authentically, and in some cases stop living at all. I asked Elise questions about all of my favorite parts of her book On Our Best Behavior to bring you every insight to help you challenge your own thinking. The truth is . . . The angels say you're "good" simply because you are and that they WANT you to start living more! This episode is going to help you do just that!   To learn more about Elise Loehnen and her work: Website: www.eliseloehnen.com/ Elise's podcast is Pulling the Thread [Instagram] @eliseloehnen   Click HERE to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l9AVMFoIaJU ++++++++++   Thank you for listening to the Angels and Awakening podcast! Post about today's episode on your social media accounts and tag us @angelpodcast. We couldn't do it without your support. Every purchase and donation helps us run our podcasts and the World's Largest Prayer Network. Thank you! WORK WITH JULIE Angel Membership: https://theangelmedium.com/angelmembership Angel Reiki School: https://theangelmedium.com/get-certified Book A Session: https://theangelmedium.com/readings Buy Julie's Book, Angels and Awakening, on Amazon.com Don't know where to start? Book a discovery call with Julie: https://calendly.com/juliejancius/discovery-call   FREEBIES Angel Newsletter: www.theangelmedium.com Angels and Awakening Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/angels-and-awakening/id1451424894 World's Largest Prayer Network: https://www.worldslargestprayernetwork.com/ Intuitive Kids Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1650866422   SOCIAL MEDIA Watch out for scammers who impersonate Julie's accounts. Julie will never DM you for a session. All purchases go through www.theangelmedium.com. Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelpodcast/   TikTok: @angelpodcast  Facebook Group: http://facebook.com/groups/angelpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/juliejancius   DRAWING WINNER Leave a 5-star positive review of this show or Julie's book, to be entered into a drawing to win a free session.

This week, Kate is joined by author, host of Pulling the Thread, and former Chief Content Officer at Goop, Elise Loehnen, to discuss her NYT bestselling book, On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good. Enjoy!SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSPre order my book, One in a Millennial here!Get your first book for $5 with code BETHEREINFIVE at bookofthemonth.com.For understated luxury at its best this holiday, shop the must-have pairs of the season and receive 20% off your purchase with code BETHEREINFIVE at marcfisherfootwear.com. To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/BETHEREINFIVE. That's UNCOMMONGOODS.com/BETHEREINFIVE, for 15% off! Don't miss out on this limited time offer! Uncommon Goods. We're all out of the ordinary.Right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BTIF at OSEAMalibu.com