Episode 2: Into the Sea of Trees – Japan’s Aokigahara

Join Rachael from the Bad Take Podcast for a chilling story deep dive into Japan’s Aokigahara, the infamous “Suicide Forest.” This Halloween, explore the dark legends, eerie history, and mysterious atmosphere of the forest at the base of Mount Fuji. From haunting stories to cultural context, Rachael unpacks what makes Aokigahara one of the most enigmatic—and unsettling—places on Earth.

In this episode, we open up about the mental health side of traveling — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the excitement of new places to the loneliness that can hit when you’re far from home, we talk about how travel can both heal and challenge your mind. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just dreaming of your next trip, this conversation is a reminder that it’s okay to not always feel your best, even in beautiful places.

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In this chilling episode, Rachael delves into one of the world’s most haunting cultural rituals — the finger-cutting mourning practices of the Dani tribe in Papua, Indonesia. What compels a community to express grief through physical pain? How do ancient beliefs about loss, spirit, and sacrifice shape this tradition today?

Join Rachael as she explores the history, symbolism, and controversy behind this ritual — confronting the thin line between cultural preservation and human suffering. Expect raw stories, thought-provoking analysis, and Rachael’s signature “BadTake” twist on what we call “civilized.”

🔪 Tradition. Grief. Humanity. This one will stay with you long after the episode ends.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Lika from Georgia (the country, not the state!). She gave us the inside scoop on Georgian culture, politics, dating, and what everyday life is really like there. If you’ve ever wondered about life in this beautiful corner of the world—or just love hearing different perspectives—you’ll love this one.

In this episode, I sit down with a successful Black man living in Japan to dive into his unique journey. We talk about what it was like growing up in the deep South of Georgia, how life has changed since moving abroad, and the cultural shifts he’s experienced along the way. From dating and navigating relationships to practical travel advice, he shares stories, insights, and lessons that paint a vivid picture of what it means to build a life across continents.

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Dame Dollur, and things get real. This time, our co-host Rachael shares her emotional story of being deported from the U.S. — a raw moment that shaped her outlook on life and travel.

From there, we dive into some crazy travel stories you won’t believe, mixing in laughs, lessons, and the kind of unpredictable moments that make every journey unforgettable.

This week, we’re joined by rapper and content creator Dame Dollur for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music and entertainment. Together, we explore the beauty and culture of Jamaica, the place where his family roots run deep. Dame opens up about returning to the island, reconnecting with his father after 15 years apart, and how that emotional reunion reshaped his mindset and perspective on life.

Along the way, we also share travel hacks and insider tips for making the most of a trip to Jamaica — from navigating local spots to immersing yourself in the culture beyond the resorts.

This is Part 1 of an honest, inspiring journey about family, heritage, and self-discovery through travel.

In this episode, we take you inside our unforgettable experiences living and traveling in Thailand. From cultural surprises to everyday adventures, we share the moments that made the journey one to remember. Joining us is our special guest, Dr. Blocker — a talented African American basketball player making waves on a Thai basketball team. He opens up about his journey overseas, what it’s like playing the game he loves in a completely different culture, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Tune in for laughs, stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in Thailand on and off the court.

In this episode, we let you get to know us a bit better as we talk about how we travel, the apps we rely on, and share a few fun stories.

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