Episodes
After four wonderfully nasty years Simon and Martina say goodbye to SBS PopAsia. They look back at their time on the radio show and podcast, before sharing a final story about watching the World Cup at a lovely bar which serves toast and handmade jams alongside an impressive selection of craft beers.
Published 06/25/18
Published 06/25/18
Have we lost our sense of manners and decency? Simon and Martina are seasoned travelers and are disappointed to see service workers being treated rudely by tourists all too often.
Published 06/18/18
Simon and Martina are kicking back on a beach in Koh Samui, Thailand for their wedding anniversary and they've already racked up some fun stories just days into their trip. There's one about a little girl who wants a tattoo, trying to drink sparkling wine on a speedboat, and a special travel pig named Kogi.
Published 06/18/18
Simon and Martina remember Anthony Bourdain who was a big influence and inspiration for them as foodies and presenters. Depression is a reality for some people, including Simon and Martina, who share their experiences living with the disease. If you, or a loved one, are feeling depressed or just need someone to talk to, please contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Published 06/12/18
Simon is really bad when it comes to matching dates with particular events. Instead, the songs he listens to during certain events remain as time markers in his memory.
Published 06/04/18
Simon and Martina are passionate about the indie music scene in Korea but generally disappointed at the lack of promotion for these artists. Can the success of K-Pop bring attention to other music genres in Korea?
Published 06/04/18
Simon and Martina recently went to the premiere of the new Wes Anderson movie Isle Of Dogs and loved it. What they didn't love though, was the backlash towards the movie. Why do some movie critics take things too far?
Published 05/29/18
The best bits from the Eat Your Kimchi podcast.
Published 05/28/18
Korea has grown so much, even since they first moved to the country 8 years ago, but at what expense? Reminiscing of their early days in Korea, Simon and Martina wonder if Seoul can find its artistic flare again.
Published 05/21/18
Simon and Martina share their stories growing up with food and some of their best memories of home cooked treats
Published 05/14/18
It's rainy season in Japan which means, Simon and Martina's story time! When you go to Japan, you're likely to try sushi, ramen, etc. But if you're lucky to spend some extra time in Japan, Simon and Martina let you in on an unlikely, yet equally authentic culinary experience.
Published 05/14/18
Simon and Martina have changed the way they celebrate each other's birthday. instead of giving 'things' as presents, they're finding more value in non-material experiences.
Published 05/07/18
Golden Week, one of the busiest travel seasons, is the worst week to visit Japan. Restaurants and accommodation are usually fully booked and overpriced during this cluster of public holidays. Simon had his work cut out trying to plan Martina's birthday this year, which happened to fall during Golden week, but he managed a fun-filled time despite the chaos.
Published 05/07/18
The difference between buildings and homes in Japan and Korea. Simon and Martina give you some advice on finding the most interesting architecture (if you're into that kind of stuff!).
Published 04/30/18
After a few hectic weeks Simon and Martina decide to take a day off for some chill, exploration time. Taking in the local architecture and people-watching at the local park, the duo accidentally recreate a hipster movie scene. They share their tip for finding hidden gems in Japan's suburbs.
Published 04/30/18
When doing business in Japan business cards vital. But Simon and Martina have some thoughts on the card exchanges.
Published 04/23/18
Simon and Martina went to their first wedding in Japan. Some of it was familiar, some of it...not so much. The duo think they were horrible guests. What did they do at the wedding? It's a pretty funny story #lol
Published 04/23/18
While at their newly discovered yakitori restaurant, Simon pulled off the greatest thing any language-learner could do - make a joke in your new language. Did it go down well? Or was it a total fail?
Published 04/16/18
Simon and Martina explore a cool new area and stumble upon an incredible yakitori restaurant. And their awesome story's just beginning there. The duo interact with fellow patrons at the restaurant, ensuing hilarity. Simon also pulls off a successful joke in Japanese, in front of a room full of Japanese people - props!
Published 04/16/18
There's a big difference between going to a tourist site, to tick it off your bucket list, and actually appreciating a tourist site. Simon and Martina tell us when to put that selfie stick away to stop and smell the roses.
Published 04/09/18
Simon and Martina travelled to Otsu this week to sample one of the top three beefs in Japan, Omi Beef! While there they stumbled upon the most beautiful, grand, quiet temple (just two stops away from Kyoto!). The duo are still letting us in on how to be awesome tourists.
Published 04/09/18
Simon and Martina recently had an awful encounter when an incident from the real world turned nasty online. They're giving their thoughts on the effect of these comments on themselves and the potential effect on others, especially young people on social media.
Published 03/29/18
Simon and Martina are talking about how they deal with negativity online and attempt to understand why people treat other's awfully in the digital space. Simon was effected by a negative comment left about him this week, because he didn't have time to stop and say hi to a fan on the street. It got to him. But it's not the worst comment he, or Martina, have had thrown at them online. The duo talk about other famous people who've been trolled and bullied online, and they're asking everyone to...
Published 03/29/18
It's Hanami (or Cherry Blossom Season) in Japan, and that means time to relax and unwind. Simon and Martina describe what Japanese people do to de-stress. Even Japanese businessmen unwind in pretty unexpected ways...
Published 03/26/18