Mandatory listening for those coming to, in, or having left Bangkok
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“With so many amazing podcasts out there today, could two guys doing a low budget podcast really make something special? Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding yes!
The Bangkok Podcast breaks down the mysteries, minutiae and mundane of Bangkok. It hits upon the questions you had but were afraid to ask about Kreung Tep.
Yet, the charm of the podcast really lies in the rapport between it’s two cohosts Greg and Ed. They are able to take topics such as traffic or taxis, not things one would not imagine could be that interesting, and make the topic entertaining with their insights and wit and joue de vivre.
Their love and respect for Bangkok and it’s inhabitants really shines through. The show is very hand-in-glove, easy to listen to and a joy to listen to. I am an avid podcast listener, spending an enormous amount of time in my car, gardening, and cooking. For several months now, it has become my favorite podcast.
If you are a new listener, I would strongly suggest just sticking with season three. It’s markedly better than the two prior seasons, which is a testament to both an improved cohost but also that through time and practice, Craig and Ed have honed their hobby/craft.
What about if you have never been to Bangkok, or have little interest in the city of Bangkok? I am a little surprised that I feel this way, but I actually think this show is good enough that you should still give it a try even though it’s particular relevance to you might be low. Start with their season three interview of author Christopher G Moore, and follow that up with their show on Yaba and the drug trade (Their interviewee provides a perspective that I have never encountered before in popular media, a defense of the use of methamphetamine, and whether you agree or not with the interviewee, how great to be able to engage with thoughts and ideas that you normally don’t encounter). Perhaps not as good of a listen, but more of an important episode, the two part dive into the lives of expat women in Bangkok was one part therapy session and one part learning opportunity. I am frequently impressed with the shows that they crank out that are of such high content quality with what I imagine to be limited resources.
In terms of areas for improvement, I would humbly suggest that Greg and Ed double down on their history episodes. They are edifying, and the topic matter is absolutely fascinating and tends to capture the imagination of the listener. The recent episode on the differences between Bangkok and Phnom Penh I hope is a harbinger for things to come, with inexpensive flights from Bangkok to so many exotic locales, I am anxious to hear similar episodes on comparing and contrasting Bangkok with Yangon, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Los Angeles (both cities being known as the city of Angels).
Lastly, I’m not sure whether it’s criticism of praise, but the hosts tend to shy away from many of the stereo types of Bangkok, including the more more salacious nocturnal activities or the headline grabbing grit, violence, corruption, (not to mention political intrigue) that is not a great representation of Bangkok but still is a part of the city.
Thanks for all the great listening time!
John S”
Jioooo via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/03/19
More reviews of The Bangkok Podcast
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“Whilst living in Thailand I stumbled upon (-paralleling my usual Thai life-) the podcast and became hooked immediately. Plenty of fun and facts! I didn’t live in Bangkok, but loved hearing the similarities or differences of the Thai/Farang world from the Big Mango to my smaller local town. Since...”Read full review »
_JR90_ via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
05/16/18
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“Shoutout from Hong Kong. Just went to BKK last month and now in love with the city. Likes you guys shooting straight to the point and mince-no-word style. The cultural comparison stuff is real cool as well. Keep up the good work guys!”
Ed from HK via Apple Podcasts ·
Hong Kong ·
01/05/18
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“Great show great guys a must listen can’t wait to get back to Bangkok next year for another holiday and this show has helped us with some ideas on what to do and where to go.
Chur chur guys”
gbhdc via Apple Podcasts ·
New Zealand ·
12/09/19
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