Tales from Kevin

What's happening in Xi'an, China, with Kevin? International School festivalsColder WeatherLate shipments of stuff....ExerciseVarsity VolleyballAlmost a holidayWinter in Japan!Check out my new Substack!https://kevinosheacanada.substack.com/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jlandkevBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socialX: https://x.com/MadForMapleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevinMy other podcasts:Supernatural Japan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498Just Japan Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-japan-podcast/id846476649

It's another busy week to catch up on. My son had his first varsity volleyball game (forgot to mention in the podcast. Checked out a very cool local market. Struggling with some fatigue as I settle into a new place, job, and life, and almost went to see the famed Teracotta Army today. Listen to the weekly diary of a Canadian expat in Asia!Check out my new Substack! https://kevinosheacanada.substack.com/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jlandkevBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socialX: https://x.com/MadForMapleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevinMy other podcasts:Supernatural Japan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498Just Japan Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-japan-podcast/id846476649

We're back again! Another week goes by in Xi'an, China. I'm getting used to a new job, a new school, and new expectations—some observations about Grandparents caring for kids in this part of China. I also planted some herbs, have been thinking about a school garden, and am trying to write a young reader's novel! Hamburger dreams and fitness talk also come into play!The Instagram I talked about in this episode: http://instagram.com/turnaround_strengthInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/jlandkevBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socialX: https://x.com/MadForMapleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevinMy other podcasts:Supernatural Japan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498Just Japan Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-japan-podcast/id846476649

Kevin is back after almost a year's absence—thoughts on so many moves. Kevin and his family have moved from Malaysia back to China for work—this time to Xi’an, China. Kevin discusses the ongoing transition, the various positive developments, and shares a bit about his other podcasts. New apartment, new school, new friends, and a new city to explore. This podcast has been relaunched as a diary of a guy far away from home. Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jlandkevBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socialX: https://x.com/MadForMapleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevinMy other podcasts:Supernatural Japan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498Just Japan Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-japan-podcast/id846476649

Supernatural Japan is a spine-chilling podcast that explores Japan’s darkest legends, real-life hauntings, mysterious urban myths, and forgotten folklore. Hosted by educator and storyteller Kevin O’Shea, each episode takes listeners deep into ghost stories, haunted places, yokai, and true crime cases with supernatural twists—all set against the backdrop of Japan’s rich cultural history. Whether you're fascinated by yurei, yokai, or eerie unsolved mysteries, Supernatural Japan is your gateway to the country’s most terrifying tales. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts and step into the shadows of Japan.Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/35FkGE7Kc9bXFGpt37ZF2y?si=fc445519da524a95Amazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dedb712b-9800-4759-8158-e4af590710b4/supernatural-japan

Kevin is back after a forced hiatus! He’s got another heartwarming story about being a teacher and the kids you meet. Adrian was a kid who hated music. This made Music class a challenge for him and the teachers. One day, 5-year-old Adrian had a fateful encounter with a Panic at the Disco track that changed his life! Follow and support the podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social

The passing of American Pickers cohost, Frank Fritz brought back many memories for Kevin. Memories of picking around rural Cape Breton as a child with his father and the power of being a collector. American Pickers has always been a show that brought Kevin comfort and a connection to his father. A heartfelt mini-tale.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

More than 30 years ago something really weird happened. Kevin shares his tale of experiencing a "forerunner" in Eastern Canada. A "forerunner" is when something strange happens to signal a person's death or other unlucky occurrence. A strange dream that seemed more than a little spooky!  It's now October so let's share a few spooky stories! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin

Kevin reflects nostalgically on when parents and kids threw caution to the wind. BMX bikes, homemade plywood ramps, getting tied to trees, and not as many rules as we have today. Times have certainly changed and the rise of 80s nostalgia Instagram accounts and podcasts reflects a pining for the “Good Ole Days.” Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social

Sometimes bird watchers can be more than meet the eye! Sometimes they are young, have multiple black belts, and can name more birds than you can shake a stick at! Kevin shares a story about bird watching in Canada as a child and Japan with a Judo Ornithologist!  Follow Kevin and the podcast… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socia

It happens to everyone at some point when they live abroad, but it can be worse for some than others. Kevin reflects in how his feelings about loneliness have changed as he’s gotten older and shares a tale of getting left behind by friends during a vacation in Korea. How do we combat loneliness when living abroad? For some, is it even an issue?  Follow Kevin… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social

22 years ago there was a disastrous day of “teaching” at a kindergarten in South Korea. Kevin reflects on how he accidentally became a teacher and about the madness that ensued in his classroom. A class he most certainly couldn’t manage! We all have moments of madness and terror in life. Kevin’s involved 5 year olds who wouldn’t sit down!  Follow Kevin… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socia

It's never too late to take back your health and get fit. Kevin talks about his road to fitness, his recent foray back into the swimming pool, and having his heart leap out of his throat!  He also talks about what it was like learning to swim in the 1980s in Canada, the YMCA, and Ike's Delicatessen in Sydney, Cape Breton.  Follow Kevin… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social

Living the roaming expat life can be without deep roots, but some of us come from places with those deep roots. Kevin talks about growing up and living in the same house from birth until early adulthood. After 22 years of living in Asia and renting, he’s planning to buy a house in the next few years in Japan. Why is Kevin hankerin' for a homestead? Let’s learn a little more about it!  Follow Kevin… Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/MadForMaple⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev⁠ Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social

A life currently lived in Malaysia can mean lots of different wildlife encounters. Kevin introduces the podcast and discusses having an endangered monkey release its bladder from above. Things get grim, but somewhat funny all at the same time. Welcome to the new storytelling podcast. Follow Kevin… Twitter (X): https://x.com/MadForMaple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlandkev Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jlandkev Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social