The unsung hero of the podcast, from the very first episode, has been the mint tea Stephen drinks to keep his throat alive while talking for (sometimes) hours. He realises he doesn't actually know that much about mint, and falls down a rabbithole.

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Episode 18 of A Place to Stray.

This episode releases a week before Stephen's thesis. He is stressed, busy, overworking and undersleeping. It's the perfect time for him to revisit and try (very very badly) to explain one of his biggest sources of joy recently. And also 7 years ago? But also recently again.

Haiji is the best character, no other opinions are valid.

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Episode 17 of A Place to Stray

The first of his two "Thesis Mode" episodes, Stephen reminisces about the times before, when he was travelling and, crucially, wasn't writing a thesis. This leads to a full-circle moment at he base of Paris's Tour Saint-Jacques. Speaking of full circles, the sun is out. For some reason, Stephen thinks this is a bad thing.

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Episode 16 of A Place to Stray.

Stephen misses his cat. At the time of recording, he would see Ash the next day. At the time of release, he does not know when he'll see that little grey idiot next. To fill that little fluffy hole in his heart, he examines various attempts to sell children on pets which don't need all that same feeding, care and attention. Except for when they do.

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Episode 15 of A Place to Stray.

This month finds Stephen still recovering from the transcendent experience of eating whole, actual meals two days in a row, as opposed to the usual slop he "cooks". He takes an hour to ruminate on his warped relationship with food.

Also, happy Paddy's Day everyone!

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Episode 14 of A Place to Stray.

Content warning: This episode makes explicit and recurring reference to Valentines Day, despite coming out the day afterwards when you thought you might be finally safe from all that. Even more concerningly, Stephen talks about music. And also Sonic the Hedgehog, for some reason. And it's 89 minutes long, for some reason. Enjoy!

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Episode 13 of a Place to Stray.

Famously, all goalkeepers are at least a little bit mad. This month, Stephen explores why goalkeeping has always been his favourite position in most sports, and what exactly that might say about him. Join him on his journey, he may require saving.

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Also, add to the Anti-Valentine's Playlist for next episode! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6A1AitKqRR6fuEciMkhl7K?si=e3ab0dec2417485b&pt=843c7a7ad14fd1258e4d14f75f95475e

Episode 12 of A Place to Stray.

Studio Ghibli has earned its place as one of the most beloved animation studios in the world, having spent decades masterfully exploring the cross-sections between joy and sorrow, whimsy and tragedy.

Instead of just saying that, Stephen spends far too long trying and failing to explain why they might be worth your time, before experiencing the single weirdest night of his life.

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Episode 11 of A Place To Stray.

Stephen takes a short break from his children's literature degree to read a children's book. He falls hopelessly in love with it, and spends an hour badly trying to convince you to do so as well. You don't understand, it's SOOOOO good though...

NSP's cover of America's "The Last Unicorn" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF1Q56YAo0Q

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Episode 10 of A Place to Stray.

Having moved over and (kind of) settled in, Stephen waves farewell to bi-weekly podcasts with a review of his first couple of weeks in the UK, and a glance through the things he brought with him. For some reason, unknown even to him, this episode balloons to over an hour long. Help.

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