Cross-Cultural Episodes

This episode we are treated to a wonderful conversation with an amazing woman who continues to have a fascinating life. Karen Hill Anton discusses her memoir "The View from Breast Pocket Mountain". Published in late 2020 the book has received numerous literary awards and has a 5 start rating from Amazon. We talk about her motivation behind writing her 1st book, she offers solid advise for anyone contemplating a memoir, dive into some of the back stories and highlights from her book, and the chal...

Meshida is an ex-Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian. For the past eight years Meshida has been performing his style of comedy in both Japan and the UK. In addition he is a successful YouTuber, mostly known for his comedic commentary on Japan's "pink" culture despite his many other "wholesome" cultural topics. We discuss why he decided to become a full-time standup comedian, the difference between Japanese and Western humor, stories from the stage, how much he earns from ...

Part 2 of my interview with author Robert Whiting about his recent best selling memoir "Tokyo Junkie" 60 years of bright lights, back alleys, and baseball. In this episode, Bob tells great stories about colorful foreign players and well-known Japanese baseball stars. Part 2, we talk mostly about the baseball stories from his memoir, but also get into the important story of how writing his first book "The Chrysanthemum and the Bat" completely changed his life. Together with episode #1 this is ano...

Katheryn Gronauer is the founder of Thrive Tokyo. She is a cross-cultural trainer and business coaching entrepreneur based in Tokyo. We speak about the most common cultural frustrations newcomers to Japan face and how she helps them overcome these challenges. As a young entrepreneur, discuss self-branding and how she markets her services, how her early start in health coaching led to the beginnings for Thrive Tokyo, an in-depth analysis of Japanese communication styles and why this topic is ofte...

An amazing and iconic Tokyo veteran - Timothy Langley. With over 40 years experience in Japan, Timothy is the founder of Japan's premier government & public consultancy Langley Esquire. Most unique about Timothy, he was the first foreigner to work in the Japan National Diet working alongside many senior Japanese politicians. In addition he has served as top Legal & Gov't Affairs Specialist for Apple Computer (Japan), General Counsel to General Motors (Japan) and director of numerous companies fr...

Cynthia Usui is the Author of Eight things Full-time Housewives Should do Before Entering the Workforce . After 17 years as a stay-at-home mom, Cynthia successfully re-launched her career and quickly rose to the managerial ranks. She now coaches housewives who want to return to the workforce, how to follow in her footsteps. Cynthia shares many tips and much wisdom from her amazing journey "from Mother to Management". Other highlights from our conversation: The work-life balance should be mea...

This episode I sit down with Dominic Carter, an expert on Japan market entry, market research, and branding. Dominic shares great insight, knowledge, and current research results, for anyone working in Japan or looking to expand into Japan needs to hear. Today you hear his 3 Golden Rules for Japan market entry success, the 4 Marco Trends shaping modern Japan, as well as numerous great quotes about how to succeed in the Japanese market. This is must listen to anyone doing business in Japan. Other...

This episode I continue my conversation with Tim Sullivan. Specifically, he talks about the hundreds of cross-cultural training seminars he conducted for Hawaiian Airlines prior to their launching Japan flights. It's full of great anecdotes and amazing cultural insight. We also discuss the Japanese apology, and how he moulds his rule-breaking ways to fit accepted Japanese norms. This is a short episode and well worth a listen: Quality over quantity for sure. gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp ...

This episode I share craft beers with Andrew Silberman, Chief Enthusiast of the Advanced Management Training Group and author of the book "Get a G.R.I.P." The Global Readiness Improvement Plan. With nearly 30 years of corporate training in Tokyo focused on coaching, leadership, and presentations, he is a very riveting guest. We share some super insightful topics and a lot of laughs. It's another podcast from the Ivy Place in Daikanyama and the best 40 minute investment you will make today. Other...

This episode is a follow-up with 32-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International, and the author of six books in Japanese. We focus on two of her books: "33 Reasons Japanese should be Proud" and "39 Reasons Japanese are Great" and discuss some of these reasons including her Top 3. We dive into some cultural analysis complete with personal experience and stories. She is full of infectious energy and passion and together we share many laughs, unique insights, and...

Rochelle Kopp is one of the sharpest Japan inter-culturally minded people I've ever met. She is a Japanese business culture expert and cross-cultural communications specialist and is the founder and Managing Principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting. We share drinks and eye-(ear)-opening facts and stories about Japanese business norms. Its another podcast from the Grand Hyatt's Oak Door bar. Just give the first 5min a listen, I'm sure you will want to continue to the end. Other topics we dive ...