A Life of Learning

Sara's joins the podcast to talk about "The Magic Ingredients of K-Dramas"

Sara's podcast is called How I Met My Kdrama. Please check it out!

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-i-met-my-kdrama/id1789001351

Romance (Usually)

A slow burn that typically serves either as the main plot or a prominent subplot.

• Rain or Shine (also known as Just Between Lovers)

• Love to Hate You

• Typhoon Family

• My Unfamiliar Family

• My Sweet Mobster

• Hospital Playlist

• Our Beloved Summer

• Summer Strike

• One Spring Night

• What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?

• Run On

Lots of characters who are interconnected, where almost everyone gets their own distinct story arc.

• Crash Landing on You

• Alchemy of Souls (corrected from "Unwritten soul")

• Moving

• Reply 1988

• It's Okay to Not Be Okay

• Cheat on Me If You Can

• Because This Is My First Life

A guaranteed emotional rollercoaster—there will always be laughter and tears.

• Still 17 (also known as Thirty But Seventeen)

• Her Private Life

• Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

• Flex X Cop

A core theme centered around a close-knit group of people who choose to support each other like family.

• Reply 1988

• Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

• Hospital Playlist

• Rain or Shine

• King the Land

The classic, beloved staples of the genre: sharing umbrellas in the rain, the accidental fall-and-catch, drunk confessions, and eating ramen together.

• A Business Proposal (the ultimate example, packed with tons of these tropes)

The absolute necessity of reading text on the screen while watching.

• Applies to all shows for international viewers!

The limited-series format where a story is neatly wrapped up in a single season.

• Nearly all of them fit this format.

Distinctive, highly visible brand integrations woven directly into the story.

• Crash Landing on You

• True Beauty

• Descendants of the Sun (famous for its Subway placements)

• Queen of Tears

• Perfect Marriage Revenge (corrected from "Perfect Crown")

Shows that seamlessly blend multiple styles—such as fantasy, time travel, thriller, and romance—all into one cohesive story.

• Twinkling Watermelon

• Lovely Runner

• A Time Called You

• Strong Woman Do Bong-soon

• I Hear Your Voice

• The Legend of the Blue Sea

• My Love from the Star

• The Atypical Family

• Signal

• CEO-dol Mart (corrected from "Boyfriend on demand")

• I Am Not a Robot

A visually stunning focus on culinary arts, cooking, and the joy of sharing delicious meals.

• Reply 1988

• Hospital Playlist

• Wok of Love

• No Gain No Love

This is a raw and inspiring podcast exploring creativity, spoken confidence, performance, and the lived experience of dyslexia. Through honest conversations and personal reflections, Kala dives into the challenges of finding your voice, standing on stage, and freeing yourself from self-doubt.

From navigating dyslexia to building confidence through performance and expression, this podcast is about breaking barriers — internal and external. It’s about the courage to speak, to create, and to show up fully as yourself.

Kala shares the turning points, the commitments, and the moments of transformation that shape who they become.

This is more than a podcast. It’s a journey of expression, resilience, and creative freedom.

In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina to explore the fascinating world of jigsaw puzzling. We dive into her puzzling origin story and discover how she first became hooked on this rewarding hobby. Sabrina shares her favourite types of puzzles, from preferred piece counts to whether she enjoys photographic images, illustrations, or particular artistic styles.

We also discuss practical advice for beginners and for those looking to rediscover the joy of puzzling after time away. Along the way, Sabrina reflects on the many benefits puzzling has brought to her life, including relaxation, mindfulness, problem-solving skills, and a sense of achievement.

Whether you're an experienced puzzler, just starting out, or simply curious about the growing puzzle community, this conversation offers inspiration, insights, and plenty of reasons to pick up your next puzzle.

Topics covered:

• ​Sabrina's puzzling origin story
• ​Favourite puzzle styles and piece counts
• ​Tips for beginners and returning puzzlers
• ​The mental, emotional, and social benefits of puzzling

Join us for an engaging conversation celebrating the joy and challenge of putting the pieces together.

Instagram: @puzzle_bites

In this episode, "The Band" explore the connections between film, music, and memory. From earliest experiences of going to the pictures and childhood film clubs to the rituals of going to the cinema, we reflect on the cinematic moments that stay with us. We also share funny stories about the experience of sleeping at the cinema—whether through comfort, boredom, or sheer exhaustion.

The conversation examines the influence of Black American and Black British cinema, discussing landmark films, overlooked classics, and the stories that continue to resonate across generations. Along the way, we delve into the soundtracks that left a lasting impression, exploring how music shapes the emotional power of a film and inspires creativity beyond the screen.

A nostalgic and wide-ranging discussion about cinema culture, identity, storytelling, film-going habits, memorable movie experiences, and the enduring magic of the big screen including the classic black and white movies.

In this episode, we speak with Tina, a creative of Polish origin who, within just six months after performing spoken word, helped organise a powerful spoken word and creative arts project. Tina shares her journey into drawing and spoken word, how creativity has shaped her life, and what it means to embrace being a creative person.

Together, we explore identity, expression, and the courage it takes to turn creativity into connection.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. ​When did you start drawing and performing spoken word?
2. ​How has spoken word changed your life?
3. ​Would you say you’re a creative person, and why?

A thoughtful conversation about art, growth, and finding your voice.

Instagram @aroundthechaos

Marshall’s journey into magic didn’t start on a big stage — it started with curiosity, practice, and a willingness to fail in public. In this episode, Marshall shares his origin story, what he learned during the pandemic about creativity, patience, and human connection, and the lessons his first live gigs taught him about confidence and adapting in real time.

We also explore how those experiences shaped Marshall’s approach to performance and teaching, eventually leading to the creation of his online coaching school, where he helps performers find their voice, build resilience, and connect more authentically with audiences.

To close, Marshall talks about the future of magic, how he sees it evolving, and his ambition to go full time as a professional magician, turning a lifelong passion into his everyday work.

Instagram- marshalls_magic

https://www.skool.com/marshalls-magic-club-1303

In this special episode Write2Speak, founders Tyler and Yossi share the journeys that led them to spoken word, creativity, and ultimately to creating Write2Speak. They reflect on the experiences that shaped their belief in the power of words to connect, heal, and inspire change.

The conversation explores why creativity and spoken word are more important than ever especially for adults and young people seeking authentic self-expression, confidence, and emotional understanding in today’s fast-paced world.

Tyler and Yossi also share powerful moments of impact—real stories from participants that revealed just how transformative this work can be, from quiet breakthroughs to life-changing shifts in self-belief.

Looking forward, they discuss the future of Write2Speak, their vision for growth, and how they hope to expand access to creative spaces where more voices can be heard, valued, and empowered.

Instagram @write2speak

Meet Dennis, a New York–based magician who started doing tricks at an early age. From teaching kids at summer camp to earning a degree in nutrition before pivoting careers, Dennis shares his journey into the world of magic. He reveals what life as a full-time magician is really like — the behind-the-scenes challenges, handling live audience reactions, and consulting for major magic productions.

But beyond sleight of hand and spectacle, Dennis believes magic has a deeper purpose. In his words, magic reminds us of curiosity, imagination, and connection — the things that make life truly magical.

Instagram @thecloseupartist

Join Michal, the marathon joggler (that’s right, running while juggling!), as he shares his journey through the challenges of training, mindfulness, and mastering focus. From early practice struggles to marathon triumphs, Michal dives into the meditative side of juggling on the move, the mindset needed to keep going, and the funny moments that happen along the way.

Discover how different crowds react to his unique mix of running and juggling, how being sponsored by Marriott gave him a platform to inspire others, and what it really takes to reach for the Guinness World Records as a joggler.

Whether you’re a runner, a juggler, or someone striving for focus and balance, this podcast will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.

Instagram @marathonjoggler

I’ve been a volunteer with Shout for over three years, supporting 93+ Texters and devoting 270+ hours on the crisis text line. In this episode, I share a spoken word poem I wrote about my experience — reflecting on the conversations, the courage it takes to reach out, and the quiet power of being heard.

I've also performed this at the spoken word night.

If you’re struggling, or if you know someone who might be, you’re not alone. Free, confidential support is available 24/7.

📱 **Text SHOUT to 85258**

🌐 **[https://giveusashout.org](https://giveusashout.org)**

Someone is always there to listen.