On today's third installment of New Year's resolutions we have another guest that you may remember. That's right. It's Kaleb! Last year we talked about learning Japanese and today, we talked about Kaleb's goals, which are mostly related to.... you guessed it... Japanese language learning. I always get so motivated talking to Kaleb and I hope you do too!

Today on Two Shores One Story I speak with a very special guest, Andy. He and I go way back to university days and today, we talk about his goals for 2026. Of course, we go off on many tangents like we used to do when we recorded the Hot Pot so if you want to hear some boiling hot tea AND be inspired, make sure to give this episode a listen.

Happy New Year's Eve (at least in Japan). Today I discuss my goals for 2026 and share an exciting announcement! Make sure to listen today to find out.

It's Christmas Eve (at least in Japan). What an exciting time!

Unfortunately, I still a lingering cough so I couldn't share all of my excitement this episode, but like the illuminations that fill Japan during the Christmas season, I did a little Q and A about Christmas in Japan to hopefully share some "enlightening" info on this wonderful holiday. If you're wondering ho ho ho-w Christmas is celebrated in Japan, or anything else Christmas related, give this episode a listen!

This may be the shortest episode in Two Shores One Story's history and that's because I can hardly talk without coughing.... since I have (another) cold.

Just wanted to send out a PSA to stay healthy. If you're in Japan and working at school, wear your mask. It may save you from using a day of paid leave.

It's a special day on the Two Shores One Story podcast because today's episode is the 50th episode! Yay! It was my goal to post frequently because no one can learn or hear about my adventures if I don't release episodes and I did it! There were some weeks that I missed due to conflicting schedules or sickness, but I'm proud of the amount of episodes that I released this year. Thank you so much for tuning in and listening to my exciting (and not so exciting) stories. I'm excited to post even more content! Let's reach episode 100 soon!

Now, for today's episode. Unfortunately, this week nothing happened... except the JLPT. I talk about my experience with taking the N1 exam for the third time , what my next goals for Japanese are, and what I'm currently reading. If you're interested, give this episode a listen!

Between the last episode and this one, I had nothing really special going on so I just talked a lot about various things.... in rapid fashion. I'm also a little stressed since the (third) JLPT N1 exam is THIS Sunday! Oh my goodness. Lot's to talk about and so little time. If you're interested in hearing my ramblings, give this episode a listen!

Last week I had my long anticipated trip to Kobe (the land of beef) to see my all-time favourite Showa artist, Iwasaki Hiromi (and her sister, Iwasaki Yoshimi). Hear all about my day trip to Kobe and my heart racing concert experience.

As it nears the end of November, the air gets colder, the days get shorter, and viruses start to appear. Unfortunately for me, I have caught one said virus- influenza type A.I can't go to work since influenza is contagious so today I decided to make some curry to have for a few days since it's a great Japanese dish that's full of nutrients. Listen to my short update on influenza and the symptoms I have experienced and my experience with the doctor.

Tomorrow I have to take my mandatory medical check-up along with other ALTs. It's quite a process that includes checking our weight, height, waist, blood pressure, heart, among other things. However, they don't check our mental condition, which I need because last week I saw a mouse in my room (I hate mice). Find out how I reacted and what I am doing to try to catch that darn thing.