Season 4

March 9, 2021

Short Break!

Hey guys, Greg and Ed are taking this week off for a short break, but we'll be back with the first episode of SEASON FIVE (OMG) of the show on March 17. See you then!

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March 2, 2021

Becoming Thai: Talking With Chris Larkin from ThaiCitizenship.com [S4…

Greg interviews Chris Larkin, creator of , a website that answers all the confusing, conflicting, confounding questions about getting citizenship in Thailand. Half Thai-Half Australian, Chris grew up mainly in Australia and got his Thai passport in...

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Feb. 23, 2021

Wonderful Weirdos: Tales of Bangkok Characters Good, Bad & Strange [S…

If Thailand is good for one thing, it’s ‘interesting’ expats, and Greg and Ed keep it light with a humorous discussion of some of the crazy characters they’ve met over the years in Bangkok. All names have been changed of …

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Feb. 16, 2021

Ganjapreneur Kitty Chopaka Discusses the Marijuana Landscape in Thail…

Ed interviews Chokwan ‘Kitty’ Chopaka, an expert on the cannabis industry in Thailand. The interview begins with a discussion of how Kitty ended up in this field - strangely, it was her mother that suggested she’d make a great...

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Feb. 9, 2021

Neighborhood Focus: Soi Suan Phlu [S4.E69]

In a return to our Neighborhood Focus series, Greg and Ed check out Soi Suan Phlu and some of the surrounding area, broadly known as either Sathorn or Yen Akat. We start with a discussion about Suan Phlu of yesteryear, …

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Feb. 2, 2021

Mark Wiens on the Joy of Eating Thai Food [S4.E68]

Greg interviews Mark Wiens, an old friend known far and wide for his awesome YouTube videos about eating food. Good food. Weird food. Scary food. Any type of food. Mark tells us how he started as a regular food blogger, …

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Jan. 26, 2021

Bangkok’s Seven Deadly Sins: Greed [S4.E67]

This week Greg and Ed return to the Seven Deadly Sins series with a discussion of GREED in Thai culture. As an opening caveat, Greg makes clear that greed exists in all cultures, and the guys aren’t saying it’s worse …

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Jan. 19, 2021

Sawatdee Cough: Bangkok’s Air Pollution Crisis [S4.E66]

Greg interviews Khun Weena, founder of the and an expert on air pollution in Thailand to discuss the who, the what, the why and the WTF behind Thailand’s annual season of poisonous, toxic air. She begins by outlining the fundamental …

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Jan. 5, 2021

Kicking 2020 to the Curb: New Year’s Eve Stories from Better Times [S…

In order to wash the bad taste of New Year’s Eve 2021 out of our mouths, Greg and Ed discuss what New Year’s Eve means in Bangkok. Normally it’s one of the biggest nights of the year, but due the …

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Dec. 29, 2020

Confronting Thailand's Problem With Violence Against Women Part 2 [S4…

The issue of violence against women in Thai culture is not often discussed. Awareness is low and even when the topic is brought up, the default reaction is to shussssshhhhh, forget about it, don’t make waves. Obviously this is not …

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Dec. 22, 2020

Confronting Thailand’s Problem With Violence Against Women Part 1 [S4…

The issue of violence against women in Thai culture is not often discussed. Awareness is low and even when the topic is brought up, the default reaction is to shussssshhhhh, forget about it, don’t make waves. Obviously this is not …

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Dec. 15, 2020

The Annual Bangkok Podcast Listener Q&A Spectacular [S4.E61]

It’s been a while, but the guys jump into a Q&A show, where they answer questions from listeners. The topics are incredibly wide-ranging - everything from our first Thailand memory to the equipment we use to record to our rules …

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Dec. 8, 2020

Artist Alex Face on his Iconic Work, Inspiration, and Space Art [S4.E…

Greg interviews celebrated Thai artist Alex Face (), known mostly for his large building-sized murals, which appear not only in Bangkok but also in other cities around the world. Alex begins by recounting his interest in art as a child, …

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Dec. 1, 2020

How Would You Rate Your Thai Cultural Assimilation? [S4, E59]

Greg and Ed dive into a great question for expats in Thailand: to what extent are you actually integrated into mainstream Thai culture? Greg posted a quick survey on our Facebook page and uses some responses as a jumping-off point …

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Nov. 24, 2020

Bangkok’s Craft Brew Godfather: A Chat With Khun Chit [S4.E58]

Greg interviews the fascinating Wichit Saiklao, godfather of craft beer in Thailand and founder of , with podcast friend Scott Coates sitting in for fun. Khun Chit relates how he first learned about homebrewing while living in the States, and …

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Nov. 17, 2020

Thailand’s Freedom-of-Expression Minefield [S4.E57]

Greg and Ed consider the issue of freedom of expression in Thailand and the extent to which it is or is not compatible with Thai culture. The topic is sparked by THAT case...the one about a TripAdvisor reviewer who harshly …

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Nov. 10, 2020

Linguist Rikker Dockum on Raising Multilingual Kids (S4.E56)

Greg interviews repeat guest Rikker Dockum about the ups and downs of raising bilingual children, beginning with an update on (now Dr) Rikker’s life back in the US - including his own two kids, both products of two cultures. Next, …

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Nov. 3, 2020

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Wrath [S4, E55]

The boys reenter the world of the Seven Deadly Sins with a discussion of ‘Wrath’ in Thai culture. What’s the angle? Well, here is Ed’s theory: every society has roughly the same amount of total anger, but in the West …

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Oct. 27, 2020

Phra Pandit on the Buddhist Concepts of Birth, Death & Rebirth [Seaso…

In this episode of Bangkok Podcast Metaphysics, Greg interviews our favorite guest, Phra Pandit, about notions of heaven and hell in Thai Buddhism. Phra Pandit begins by explaining the difference between reincarnation and rebirth. In Theravada...

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Oct. 20, 2020

Greg (Con) and Ed (Pro) Debate the Merits of Thai Massage [Season 4, …

In this episode, the guys debate the pros and cons of one of Thailand’s most famous cultural pastimes. Despite being friends for going on 20 years now and agreeing on a lot of things, Greg and Ed do NOT agree …

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Oct. 8, 2020

David Robinson Talks Heritage and Creativity on the Chao Phraya River…

Greg interviews David Robinson, co-founder of the Creative District Foundation, which promotes the mighty Chao Phraya River community for tourism and cultural purposes through the excellent website , which provides resources, history, and insight into...

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Oct. 6, 2020

Neighborhood Focus: Chinatown & Talad Noi [Season 4, Episode 51]

Greg and Ed return to their ‘Neighborhood Focus’ series with a review of the Chinatown-Talad Noi area of Bangkok, a neighborhood is near and dear to the boys’ hearts, as Greg used to live there, and back in the day …

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Sept. 22, 2020

The Unique Role That Teachers Play in Thai Culture [Season 4, Episode…

Ooooh, topical! This week, Greg and Ed discuss the unique role of teachers in Thai society, where educators occupy a uniquely reverential role, often in stark contrast to western countries, where it is ‘just another job.’ Ed notes that the …

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Sept. 15, 2020

An Economist Speaks: The Numbers on Thailand's COVID Economy [Season …

First, we want voicemails from our listeners! Become a friend on LINE (scan the QR Code below) and send us your thoughts, greetings, or an awesome joke. In a great show for economics nerds and anyone just interested in how …

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Sept. 8, 2020

Ten Laws Expats Should Understand in Thailand [Season 4, Episode 47]

After a brief intro explaining the podcast’s decision to accept advertising (within strict guidelines), Greg and Ed jump into a topic important to anyone travelling to Thailand: What are the most important Thai laws to know? Ed gives a quick...

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Sept. 1, 2020

Jarrett Wrisley & Chalee Kader Discuss Bangkok's Restaurant Biz in th…

Greg interviews Jarrett Wrisley and Chalee Kader, well-known and successful restaurateurs in Bangkok. After quick bios, they begin by dispelling some myths about the restaurant business and explaining some of the harsh realities of competing in a big...

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Aug. 25, 2020

Bangkok’s Seven Deadly Sins: Lust [Season 4, Episode 45]

Greg and Ed continue their ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ series with LUST - yep, we go there. Well, figuratively, anyway. On the record, the guys don’t actually recommend that you visit any of the red light districts in Bangkok - there …

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Aug. 18, 2020

Crossing Cultures: From Small-Town Thailand to the USA & Back Again […

Ed interviews Putsawan ‘Poy’ Tipsakorn, a friend and former student of his who did an exchange year in the U.S. while in high school. Ed and Poy begin with her background in a small town in Nakhorn Ratchasima province and …

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Aug. 11, 2020

Holding a Mirror Up to Thailand: Thisrupt's Voranai Vanijaka [Season …

This week Greg interviews Khun Voranai Vanijaka, a well-known Thai journalist, social commentator, and founder and editor-in-chief of , an English language website and social media enterprise that focuses on social and political issues in Thailand....

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Aug. 4, 2020

A Quarantine Interview & Media Recommendations [Season 4, Episode 42]

After a very strange intro in which Greg extols the virtues of a , we get into the main episode, which comes in two parts. First, Greg interviews his friend Yining, who is just finishing a two week quarantine after …

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July 28, 2020

Building a House in Thailand [Season 4, Episode 41]

Greg and Ed interview Florian, an old friend of Greg’s and coincidentally the occupant of Greg’s old apartment in Chinatown with a beautiful view of the Chao Phraya River. Florian is a man of many talents, but this interview focuses …

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July 21, 2020

Bangkok's Seven Deadly Sins: Pride [Season 4, Episode 40]

In a new series cooked up by Greg’s evil brain, the guys explore Bangkok through the prism of the Seven Deadly Sins. Each of the seven shows (not in a row, thankfully) will see the guys pick one of the …

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July 14, 2020

Entrepreneur and TV Host Dan Fraser on Filming, Language, and Absorbi…

This is Part 2 of Greg’s interview with Dan Fraser, an old friend, Thai TV star, and owner of adventure travel company Smiling Albino. Continuing their conversation, Dan talks about the challenges of transitioning from a business manager ‘control...

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July 7, 2020

Entrepreneur and TV Host Dan Fraser on Filming, Language, and Absorbi…

Greg interviews Renaissance-Expat Extraordinaire Dan Fraser, an old friend of both Greg and Ed and a former guest of the podcast in season 1. As both the star of a Thai TV show called ‘’ and the owner of , …

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June 30, 2020

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [Season 4, …

We return to our Thai history series with a fascinating look at the role that several Thai cannons played in some important historical events. First, with the help of a , Greg tells the story of some silver cannons gifted …

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June 23, 2020

Jobs, Wages and Napoleon Dynamite: The Hard Data on Thailand’s Econom…

It’s an extra-long show this week as Greg interviews Jessica Vechbanyongratana, a professor at the faculty of Economics at Chulalongkorn University, about the numbers that make up Thailand’s economy. Beginning with Thailand’s notable jump...

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June 16, 2020

How Thailand Changed Our Views on Fake Stuff [Season 4, Episode 35]

Inspired by a , the topic is counterfeit goods. Most people are aware that all types of counterfeit goods are available for sale in Thailand, whether it is watches, handbags, DVDs, or software. Greg and Ed trade stories about how …

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June 9, 2020

The Thai Foreign Ministry & Public Communication During COVID-19 [Sea…

Greg interviews Khun Natapanu Nopakun, the Deputy Spokesperson for the . You’ve probably seen him on TV - he’s the guy who gives English language updates of what’s going on with the Thai government, and especially the coronavirus...

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June 2, 2020

Lockdown: A Few Small Upsides to a BIG Downside [Season 4, Episode 33]

When you are a kid, you are taught to look on the bright side of everything. In that spirit, Greg and Ed search for any possible positives in their lives as a result of the lockdown (which, generally speaking, SUCKS). …

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May 26, 2020

Up Close & Personal With Thai Culture: The National Museum Volunteers…

You know how foreigners aren’t allowed to be tour guides in Thailand? Well guess what - there’s an interesting little loophole to that, and it’s a great opportunity to get to know Thai culture in a very real way. Greg …

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May 19, 2020

Big Brother Says Hi: Do You Have More or Less Privacy in Thailand Tha…

Greg and Ed tackle the complex question of privacy in Thailand, especially as it compares to privacy back home. But there are lots of types of privacy, so what do we mean? Firstly, as an expat, you live in a …

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May 12, 2020

Pain, Disease & Illness: The (Thai) Language of Medicine with Stu Jay…

The topic is a bit morbid but these are strange times - Greg interviews polyglot and podcast favorite on the roots of the Thai language as they pertain to pain and medicine. They begin trading stories over the fiendishly tricky …

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May 5, 2020

Thailand’s Booze Ban: Good Strategy or Pointless Folly? [Season 4, Ep…

Greg and Ed recorded a show that goes in-depth on Thailand’s alcohol ban and whether or not it makes sense as a way to combat the coronavirus. What they did NOT count on was the ban being lifted 3 days …

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April 28, 2020

Author Phil Jablon on the Disappearing Legacy of Thai Cinemas [Season…

Greg interviews Phil Jablon, a true connoisseur of Southeast Asia’s old movie theaters and author of the fantastic book . As noted on the show, you can order from the Amazon link above, but if you would like a free …

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April 21, 2020

We Discuss: Myths and Misconceptions About Bangkok [Season 4, Episode…

This week is a dose of keeping it real: What are some common beliefs about Thailand that Greg and Ed just don’t buy? Ed starts off with a fairly nuanced point: many people think of Thailand as a very religious …

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April 14, 2020

Pious Isolation? The Day-to-Day Life of a Thai Monk [Season 4, Episod…

First of all, a public service announcement: Our friend Adam is coordinating a project to get soap, disinfectant, and food to some of Bangkok’s poorest communities. Just 300 THB provides supplies for a family of 4. We donated 2,000THB - …

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April 8, 2020

Lockdown! How Does This One Compare to Others? [Season 4, Episode 25]

In their continuing effort to find something to talk about besides coronavirus, Greg and Ed decide to compare the current crisis to the past crises that they have lived through in their combined 38 years in Thailand. This is their …

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March 31, 2020

WHO’s Dr. Daniel Kertesz Talks COVID-19, Pandemics & Silver Linings […

Greg interviews Dr. Daniel Kertesz of the World Health Organization, to confirm, deny, or simply explain in better detail some of the information that’s going around about the COVID-19 pandemic. It certainly is a strange time we’re living in....

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March 24, 2020

Mixed-Culture Relationship Advice from Dr. Greg [Season 4, Episode 23]

Taking a personal turn thanks to an idea from Wes, one of our patrons, Greg discusses his dating experiences in Thailand and what it’s like to be married to a Thai woman. From early dating stories as a clueless n00b …

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