Cultural Perspective

What if everything you thought you knew about fitting in was wrong? Step into a world where saying 'hello' requires navigating invisible social hierarchies, where a simple haircut can transform you from outcast to accepted, and working until midnight isn't dedication - it's just Tuesday. Through the eyes of Daniel Fulton, an American who spent a decade crossing the cultural divide in Japan, discover the raw truth about what happens when East meets West in real life. You'll feel the stomach-dropping moment of clearing out a train car just by sitting down, experience the profound shift that comes from learning when to fight and when to flow, and understand why sometimes the best way to belong is to embrace being different. This isn't just another expat story - it's a journey that will change how you see yourself in the world. Whether you're dreaming of life abroad or simply curious about what happens when two cultures collide, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about identity, belonging, and what it truly means to find your place in the world.

I'm with Professor Yusako Saito talking a Japanese academic about the fascinating, sometimes bizzar cultural contrasts between Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Saito has lived and taught across the globe, the UK, Mexico, Thailand and Japan. Saito shares his unique insights into Japanese society - from workplace dynamics and student life to social taboos and cultural values. Our conversation spans the dramatically different perceptions of safety, Japan's evolving immigration landscape, and intriguing concepts like "karoshi" (death from overwork) and "hikikomori" (extreme social withdrawal)  We also delves into thought-provoking topics including academic expectations, freedom of expression, and the cultural significance of silence. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful observations, this episode offers a nuanced look at how different societies approach work-life balance, education, social harmony, and personal freedom. Whether you're interested in international perspectives, cultural psychology, or Asian studies, this conversation provides valuable insights into how cultural backgrounds shape our worldview and daily experiences.  

Today I'm in Merida, Mexico - one of North America's safest cities - celebrating its 483rd anniversary at the renowned Hacienda Teya Santa Lucia. I'm with Javier Pech, the restaurant's Capitan, a native of the Yucatan who spent 26 years navigating Boston's ruthless restaurant scene, Javier returned to his Yucatecan roots, bringing back something more valuable than success: perspective and Javier gives us a good look at some of the deep differences between Mexican and American cultures and what we can all learn from each of them.  We uncover the comfortable lies we tell ourselves about who we are and why we do what we do. Because in the end, it's about choices - but first, you have to know you have them because choices are driven by culture and culture is invisible. 

I'm with my friend Dave Price exploring how cultural programming shapes our reality, capturing both his first impressions of Bangkok and his transformed perspective ten days later. What makes this conversation fascinating is how experiencing multiple cultures in quick succession - Colombia just months before Thailand - reveals the invisible forces shaping our behavior and assumptions. Through Dave's journey from apprehension to appreciation, we witness Thailand's unique social paradox: a society that appears reserved yet demonstrates profound thoughtfulness, completely different from Colombia's natural warmth or America's surface-level friendliness. His evolving perspective challenges our assumptions about what constitutes a "normal" way of life, from urban safety to food culture, from social connections to lifestyle choices. This isn't just about travel observations - it's about recognizing how understanding different cultural perspectives can fundamentally change how we choose to live. Dave's journey shows us that by understanding these differences, we can make more conscious choices about how we want to live, rather than simply defaulting to our cultural programming.

I'm with culinary expert Maurice Levitt exploring how Thai culture weaves food into the fabric of community life. While Western cultures often treat eating as a distrracting necessity, in Thailand, every meal tells a story of relationships and family bonds. Here local markets are the heartbeat of the community, vendor relationships span generations, "Have you eaten yet?" is more than just a greeting, and street food vendors are part of the extended family. From morning markets to late-night street stalls, food preparation strengthens bonds between generations and creates community. This fascinating journey challenges Western assumptions about convenience and efficiency, revealing how Thai food culture creates deeper connections and more meaningful lives. Maybe a trip to your local farmer's market with family or friends and preparing and eating a meal together will change the way you think about eating. 

A Thai cultural perspective on America. My good friend and fraternity brother, Moo, now a highly successful businessman in Bangkok cuts through the BS about the true nature of Thai people, why America is so powerful, the disaster that Trump is, and the racism he faced in America and how he became a catalyst for change. Moo's outsider analysis and perspective of the U.S. is straightforward and eyeopening. 

My cohost Dave and I are with a rising star in Asia's new youth, Noe Wei, a 3rd year Business student at Bangkok University. She gives us the inside story on Myanmar (Burma) her home country and an insightful discourse on cultural adaptation, white privilege, America's global influence, how to keep your culture intact while adapting to another, and how cross-cultural understanding can lead to meaningful change.

Food is culture and culture is food. Change your cultural perspective and you change your eating experience. Join me as Chanin Zae, Bangkok's food expert, takes us on a ride through Thai food culture and history. Padthai, an American favorite, was invented to get people working in the fields as quickly as possible, in Isan taking a slice of raw meat off the cow is normal, and walking about a restaurant looking what others are eating is ok in Thailand.  It's time to change your food perspective. 

Are you ready for some serious introspection? If you want to improve yourself and gain a genuine insight into why people behave and react the way they do, then this podcast is for you.  Through an examination of the 8 archetypes of the human psyche, Malcolm Hornby helps us identify who we are and who others are. With this knowledge, we can all work together for better relationships and a better world.   This is part 1 of a two-part series dealing with the masculine concept of ideas. Part 2 continues with the feminine concept of feelings in an upcoming episode. 

Almost everything that you think you know about China is probably wrong. You're about to hear how the average Chinese citizen sees the police as friendly and helpful,  surveillance adds a level of protection and thus freedom,  homelessness doesn't exist,  if you have a fender bender your insurance agent will be at the scene within minutes, the government isn't authoritarian - people want to follow the rules, there's more democracy in China than you realize, and the Chinese might actually have more freedom than Americans.

In this heartwarming episode, what started as a mysterious message from a student Way Yuhl hadn't heard from in decades turned into a profound exploration of the American dream and what it means to forge a new path abroad. Pete, now living in Panama with his wife Lisa and their two sons, reconnected with his former junior high teacher, Way Yuhl, in Cartagena, sharing how his family made the bold decision to leave the U.S. and build a new life abroad. Starting with what was supposedly "just a vacation" but was secretly a scouting mission, Pete's family discusses their transition from tourist life to becoming full-time residents, including the challenges of learning Spanish, making new friends, and adapting to a different culture. Lisa and Pete offer candid insights about the American healthcare system compared to Panama's, while their sons Tyler and Chris share delightful observations about everything from street food to local wildlife. If you're thinking about exiting the U.S., this episode offers invaluable advice for families considering a similar move, touching on practical matters like visas and paperwork, while exploring deeper themes of American ideals and what it truly means to be an American. Through this authentic conversation about one family's journey to finding their perfect home in Panama, listeners will discover both the practical and philosophical dimensions of choosing a life beyond U.S. borders.

I'm with my good friend Dave Price talking about his life-changing experience in Cartagena. Our discussion starts just an hour after he arrives in Colombia with what he expects Colombia to be like and then we sit down 10 days later to compare that to the reality of his experience. Join us as we explore how travel can transform perspectives and challenge cultural assumptions. How American fear-based programming affects international travel, and how immersing oneself in a new culture can lead to profound personal revelations. From comparing Dave's controlled tourist experience in Egypt to his unfiltered exploration of Cartagena's streets, gyms, and food scene, this episode offers honest insights into breaking free from cultural biases and discovering a different way of living. A must-listen for anyone interested in authentic travel experiences and understanding how cultural perspectives shape our daily lives.

I'm joined by my cohost Dave Price for a great discussion with Renato Molo, a Swiss rummmelier who found his calling in the heart of colonial Cartagena, Colombia. From running exceptional cooking classes to conducting sophisticated rum tastings, Renato shares fascinating insights about Colombian cuisine, the complex world of rum, and the emerging craft beer scene. Discover how this Italian-speaking Swiss native went from taking a year off to becoming a cultural bridge between traditional Colombian flavors and international gastronomy. Learn about the rich history of Colombian dishes, the truth about aguardiente, the secrets behind viche (Colombia's traditional sugarcane spirit), and get an insider's perspective on Colombian culture from someone who came for a visit and never left. Whether you're a food enthusiast, spirits connoisseur, or cultural explorer, this episode offers a flavorful journey through one of South America's most vibrant culinary destinations.

In this conversation, Way Yuhl and Jean-Gui explore the cultural differences between complaining and compliant societies, particularly focusing on how these attitudes influence democracy, governance, and economic performance. They discuss the concept of power distance and how it affects people's willingness to criticize authority, as well as the role of criticism in fostering social change and improvement. The dialogue highlights the importance of a critical outlook in both personal and societal contexts, suggesting that complaining can be a catalyst for progress.

In this episode of The Cultural Perspective, host Way Yuhl and guest Cindy Burnham delve into the intricate relationship between language, culture, and communication. They explore the concepts of stress-timed and syllable-timed languages, discussing how these differences affect understanding and attention in conversations. The discussion highlights the importance of rhythm, pitch, and clarity in effective communication, as well as the biases that can arise from cultural differences. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and adaptation in bridging communication gaps across cultures.

In this episode, we look at how cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of safety, particularly for Americans traveling abroad. We explore the dichotomy between aggressive and friendly cultures, the impact of media and politics on societal fears, and how economic factors and religion shape cultural behavior. Personal anecdotes highlight the differences in interactions across cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding and overcoming cultural lenses.

A provocative political thought experiment that challenges the core of American democracy. What if the Democrats and Republicans merged into a single, unified party? In this episode, we explore this radical concept and draw surprising parallels with China's political system. We examine how China has achieved remarkable economic growth and poverty reduction under its one-party system, while questioning whether such a model could work in the individualistic culture of the United States. From the halls of Congress to the streets of Beijing, we challenge assumptions about democracy, authoritarianism, and everything in between. Could America's political gridlock be solved by adopting elements of China's governance model? Or would such a shift compromise the very values that define the nation? Whether you're a political enthusiast or simply curious about alternative systems of government, this episode will make you question everything you thought you knew about American politics. Tune in for a conversation that's bound to spark debate and offer a fresh perspective on the upcoming U.S. elections.  

In this conversation, Kim Yuhl and Way Yuhl explore the cultural dynamics between driven and content cultures, discussing how these cultural drivers influence personal satisfaction, work-life balance, and family dynamics. They discuss the implications of productivity and happiness in different cultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between ambition and contentment. Through personal anecdotes and observations from their travels, and cultural theory, they highlight the lessons that can be learned from both cultural perspectives, ultimately advocating for a more mindful approach to life that values both achievement and satisfaction.

France vs. USA! Join Jean-Guillaume Longaret, a French lecturer in America who serves up a fresh, often humorous perspective on American life that will make you see your daily routines in a whole new light. From the religious fervor of capitalism to the quirky rituals of graduation, from the puzzling American obsession with choice to the surprising lack of flavor in food, this podcast peels back the layers of what it truly means to be "American." Discover why your coffee might not actually be coffee, why your neighbors never say hello, and why bigger isn't always better. Whether you're a proud American, a curious Francophile, or a citizen of the world, this witty and insightful discussion will challenge your assumptions and leave you hungry for more cultural exploration. Tune in for a delightful blend of sharp observations, cultural insights, and a dash of French sarcasm that will make you laugh, think, and perhaps reconsider your next trip to Starbucks!

Why are first impressions so powerful? Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of snap judgments, cultural norms, and the science behind how we perceive others. Expert Cindy Burnham reveals how our brains make lightning-fast assessments and explore the global differences in social cues - from clothing choices to personal space. Discover why Americans might be perceived as 'sloppy' abroad, learn the secrets of projecting confidence across cultures, and find out how to hack your own image to make a lasting positive impression. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a business professional, or simply curious about human behavior, this episode offers invaluable insights into the subtle art of social navigation. Prepare to challenge your assumptions and gain a new perspective on the intricate dance of human interaction. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that will forever change how you view yourself and others in our interconnected world.