Best Curious Worldview Production Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 94: News Headlines - Feb ~ Apr 2025 (News) 1:44:53

5d ago1:44:53

1:44:53

This week, Daniel and Jun recap significant news events from February to mid-April 2025. They discuss several major stories including the impeachment of the Korean president and upcoming emergency elections, the worst wildfires in Korean history and how Indonesian foreign workers heroically helped with rescue efforts, controversial allegations surr…

1
Episode 93: No Room For Seoulmates (Culture) 1:42:06

12d ago1:42:06

1:42:06

This week Jun and Daniel explore the differences in roommate culture between Korea and America. They discuss why having roommates is more common in the US compared to Korea, where most unmarried adults either live alone or with their parents. From college dorm experiences to adult living arrangements, our hosts examine how factors like geography, f…

1
Episode 92: The Great Wall of Individualism ft. Jeong (Concepts) 1:42:53

19d ago1:42:53

1:42:53

This week Jun and Daniel dive deeper into the concept of "jeong”, building on past discussions about social circles and neighbors. They stand-up a working definition of jeong as the “blurring of boundaries between individuals”– in a sense, the ultimate form of collectivism– and explore how it can help explain key cultural differences between Korea …

1
Episode 91: Canadian Multiculturalism, Maknae Life, Hell Joseon and Kimchi Poutines ft. Byeong (iyagi) 1:50:43

26d ago1:50:43

1:50:43

This week Jun and Daniel welcome their guest Byeong, a Korean Canadian who shares his unique cultural journey growing up in Toronto, working in Hong Kong, and now living in Korea. Through exploring Byeong's experiences as a "third culture kid," our hosts dive into fascinating discussions about Canadian multiculturalism, the concept of being a "free…

1
Marcel Dirsus | How Tyrant's Fall 50:12

29d ago50:12

50:12

Curious Worldview Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Zs20Bl4ftN4XPHtxnVAVB?si=hJCvtqvMR-iFq-HLdYt7Rg Youtube - https://youtu.be/MntDK3kWRek Curious Worldview Newsletter - https://curiousworldview.beehiiv.com/subscribe The following is with German political scientist, former beer brewer in the Congo, and author of How Tyrants Fall - Marcel …

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Episode 90: I Am Solo Season 24 Review (Media) 2:38:37

1M ago2:38:37

2:38:37

This week Jun and Daniel review the popular Korean reality dating show "Na Neun Solo" (I Am Solo). They explore the format of the show where six men and six women live together for five days in hopes of finding love, using pseudonyms throughout their stay until revealing their real names during the final confession. From analyzing the various chara…

1
Robert D. Kaplan | Veteran Geopolitical Analyst On The Current Moment 33:49

1M ago33:49

33:49

Curious Worldview Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5FiugCTBQaobrZfhz3NDOR?si=c1soXluYQ4SJ6THNvxG7tw Youtube - https://youtu.be/G6EIYURdSOA Curious Worldview Newsletter - https://curiousworldview.beehiiv.com/subscribe Robert Kaplan has been sighted as one of the most influential geopolitical thinkers of the modern era. The Revenge Of Geogr…

1
Episode 89: Communities, Social Circles, and Third Places (Culture) 1:55:16

1M ago1:55:16

1:55:16

This week Jun and Daniel dive into a deep exploration of social circles in Korea compared to America. Daniel shares his recent experience joining a church community group after five years, which sparks the main discussion about how social connections form differently across cultures. The hosts debate whether Korean social groups are more like "cliq…

1
Kerry Brown | "The Greatest Geopolitical Question Of The 21st Century" 45:40

1M ago45:40

45:40

Curious Worlview Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/26jGHMsGGMuBuBtbB2u2Gw?si=j3bKCO6jQi6ftj6jM3UwoQ Youtube - https://youtu.be/4MWFzPXQPY8 Curious Worldview Newsletter - https://curiousworldview.beehiiv.com/subscribe Taiwan is the greatest geopolitical question of the 21st century says Kerry Brown, sinologist, and former Diplomat to the Br…

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Episode 88: Finding Heaven On Earth And Being A Bridge ft. Nelson aka @sochourner (iyagi) 2:08:33

2M ago2:08:33

2:08:33

This week Jun and Daniel interview Nelson, a third-culture kid who was born and raised in Brazil before attending college in the US and eventually settling in Korea. They explore his unique journey navigating multiple cultural identities, from experiencing racism as an Asian in Brazil to voluntarily serving in the Korean Marines during a college ga…

1
Episode 87: Listener Comments - Read and Response (Media) 1:36:14

2M ago1:36:14

1:36:14

This week Jun and Daniel respond to comments from their Instagram Reels, YouTube channel, and emails in their second "Read and Response" episode. From discussing American strawberries tasting like "vegetables you put in soup" to deeper conversations about Korean American identity, our hosts thoughtfully address both supportive feedback and critical…

1
Episode 86: Chill Guy Ping (Trends) 1:42:09

2M ago1:42:09

1:42:09

This week Daniel and Jun dive into the latest trends in Korea, as well as looking into predictions for 2025. They explore what's currently popular across the categories of food, fashion, technology, language, culture, and finance. Food trends include the massive popularity of the Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars," blood sugar monitoring, and prote…

1
Episode 85: Office Drama, Daddy Spoons, In-Laws World, and Salty Toothpaste ft. HoneyJam (iyagi) 1:54:50

2M ago1:54:50

1:54:50

This week Jun and Daniel host their first guest interview with Korean American couple Janice and David Jung from the HoneyJam podcast. Listen in as they discuss navigating Korean American identity, their extended stay in Korea for IVF treatment, and David's innovative venture dehydrating Korean food for camping. From exploring the evolution of jeon…

1
Episode 84: A Tale Of Two COVIDs (History) 1:54:03

2M ago1:54:03

1:54:03

This week Jun and Daniel discuss COVID-19 and how Korea and America differed in their responses to the pandemic. From the earliest cases in January 2020 through the various waves of restrictions and regulations, our hosts explore how their respective countries handled everything from contact tracing and quarantine rules to vaccination policies and …

1
Episode 83: Korean Citizenship Prep, Growing Up Russian Korean, Jeollanamdo Living, and Fishing feat. Seil and Lera (iyagi) 2:09:59

3M ago2:09:59

2:09:59

This week Jun and Daniel welcome two very interesting and unique guests, Seil and Lera. They talk about their life journeys, with topics ranging from the Korean citizenship test, growing up as a third generation Korean in Russia, playing Division III basketball in the US, country living in Korea, and so much more. What does the current naturalizati…

1
Episode 82: News Headlines - Dec ~ Jan 2025 (News) 2:02:07

3M ago2:02:07

2:02:07

This week Jun and Daniel discuss major news headlines from December 2024 and January 2025 in both Korea and the United States. They cover four significant events: the martial law declaration in Korea, the Jeju Air crash tragedy, the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the Los Angeles wildfires. Our hosts explore these events through …

1
Episode 81: A Picture's Worth A Thousand Korean Words (Design) 1:49:23

3M ago1:49:23

1:49:23

This week Jun and Daniel dive into design differences between Korea and America, from social media and advertising to architecture and mobile apps. The hosts explore how and why Korean designs tend to be text-heavy and informative, while American designs focus more on visuals and artistic impact. Topics include YouTube thumbnails, movie posters, ad…

1
Episode 80: Yes, Uh, Jin, Jee (Taiwan) 1:28:54

3M ago1:28:54

1:28:54

This week Jun and Daniel discuss Daniel's recent family trip to Taiwan for the holidays. Listen as Daniel shares his observations and experiences visiting Taipei and surrounding areas, while Jun offers his commentary as someone who has visited multiple times before. From weather to food to cultural influences from both Japan and China, our hosts ex…

1
Bradley Hope | The Story Of MBS & Saudi Arabia 49:58

3M ago49:58

49:58

Curious Worldview - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bradley-hope-blood-oil-the-story-of-mohammed-bin-salman/id1540424160?i=1000681834477 Youtube - https://youtu.be/EF-yONBmGa8 Curious Worldview Newsletter - https://curiousworldview.beehiiv.com/subscribe Bradley Hope returns to the podcast. Some of the things that stand out from this episode t…

1
Episode 79: Squid Game 2 Review (Media) 1:38:19

4M ago1:38:19

1:38:19

This week Jun and Daniel discuss the much anticipated Squid Game 2, and use it as a way to explore various aspects of Korean culture. Our hosts run through the cast of characters with commentary, discuss each of the Korean games that were played, dive into Korea’s high household debt to GDP ratio, and more. Through discussions of character portraya…

1
Episode 78: Lady Vengeance (Media) 1:39:40

4M ago1:39:40

1:39:40

This week Jun and Daniel review the 2005 Korean film "Lady Vengeance", the unofficial final installment in Park Chan-wook's vengeance trilogy. Through their analysis of the film, they explore how revenge is depicted differently in Korean versus American media, discussing themes of collectivism versus individualism, institutional injustice, and the …

1
Episode 77: 2024 Year End Wrap Up (Podcast) 1:43:11

4M ago1:43:11

1:43:11

This week Jun and Daniel reflect on 2024, and look ahead to 2025 in their year-end wrap-up “SSAMary” episode. The hosts examine their podcast's growth over the past year including reaching #1 on the Apple Podcasts Korea charts and 27000% growth in YouTube subscribers. Additionally, our hosts discuss their most and least favorite episodes, dive into…

1
Episode 76: Snow Day? No Way! (Daily Life) 1:40:36

4M ago1:40:36

1:40:36

This week Jun and Daniel discuss all things winter! Prompted by the recent first snow (첫눈), which happened to be the biggest November snowfall ever recorded in Korean history, our hosts discuss winter life and traditions in Korea compared to America. What is gimjang (김장) season and what is typically eaten with the first batch of kimchi? What are …

1
Episode 75: Korea Eyes (Fashion) 1:30:30

5M ago1:30:30

1:30:30

This week Jun and Daniel dive into fashion trends and cultural differences between Korea and America. From men’s hairstyles to women’s modesty norms, our hosts explore how fashion intersects with cultural values, generational divides, and societal expectations. They discuss topics like Korea's recent trend toward athleisure wear, the popularity of …

1
Episode 74: Red Days (Holidays) 1:44:04

5M ago1:44:04

1:44:04

This week Jun and Daniel explore the annual calendar of holidays and events in both Korea and America. Through a quiz format and month-by-month discussion, our hosts compare how each country celebrates its major holidays, from Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) in Korea to Thanksgiving (American Mid-Autumn Festival) and Independence D…

1
Episode 73: Korean News Headlines - October/November 2024 (News) 1:43:59

5M ago1:43:59

1:43:59

This week Jun and Daniel discuss major news headlines from October and November 2024. From cultural controversies surrounding Dongduk Women's University and the 4B movement, to Korea's surging soft power with Blackpink’s Rosé topping the music charts and Han Kang winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, our hosts explore how these events reflect and…

1
Episode 72: For The Love Of The Cheering (Sports) 1:44:05

5M ago1:44:05

1:44:05

This week Jun and Daniel discuss sports culture in Korea and America, prompted by their recent experience attending a KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) playoff game together. Through comparing stadium experiences, fan behavior, player salaries, and cultural attitudes towards athletics, our hosts explore deeper societal differences between the two …

1
Episode 71: Your Political View Here (Politics) 1:41:34

6M ago1:41:34

1:41:34

This week Jun and Daniel risk it all by using the charged 2024 US presidential election as a reason to compare and discuss the political systems and landscape in Korea and America. Our hosts attempt to discuss politics while remaining as neutral as possible, covering topics like the two-party system, campaign financing, big tech's political leaning…

1
Episode 70: Listener Comments - Read and Response #2-2 (Media) 1:04:41

6M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

This week Jun and Daniel continue their discussion of listener comments and reactions from social media, blogs, and other platforms. They explore the complex topic of Korean American identity, diving into experiences of discrimination, dual cultural belonging, and what it means to be a "third culture kid." The hosts also tackle comments about Korea…

1
Episode 69: Listener Comments - Read and Response #2-1 (Media) 1:46:29

6M ago1:46:29

1:46:29

This week Jun and Daniel dedicate an episode to reading and responding to comments from their social media channels over the past few months. From inverter AC technology to birthing experiences to racism and cultural differences, our hosts dive deep into various topics that sparked discussion among their listeners. They explore Korean and American …

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Episode 68: Jjik or Treat! (Food) 1:18:57

6M ago1:18:57

1:18:57

This week Jun and Daniel dive into famous food debates and preferences that divide both Korean and American society. Starting from whether you dip (jjik) or boo (pour) the sauce with sweet and sour pork (tangsuyuk), our hosts explore the many famous food debates that Koreans have, including kimchi jiggae versus doenjang jjigae, mul naengmyun vs bib…

1
Episode 67: MBTI (Culture) 1:49:12

6M ago1:49:12

1:49:12

This week Jun and Daniel dive into the world of MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and its popularity in Korea. They explore why MBTI has become such a cultural phenomenon in Korea, from its use in social settings to its integration into various aspects of daily life. The conversation then expands to include the Enneagram personality system, which …

1
Episode 66: Korean News Headlines - August/September 2024 (News) 1:02:45

7M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

This week Jun and Daniel discuss some major news headlines from August and September 2024 in Korea. They cover topics including a pilot program bringing Filipino nannies to Korea, the ongoing doctor strike, and a deepfake porn scandal. The hosts explore the cultural context and public reactions to these issues, touching on themes of immigration, on…

1
Episode 65: Culinary Class Wars Review (Media) 1:07:10

7M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

This week Jun and Daniel review the popular Korean Netflix cooking competition show "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). They discuss the show's format, cultural aspects, and why it has become such a sensation in Korea. Our hosts compare fine dining experiences in Korea vs the US, debate the merits of peelers vs knives in the kitchen, and explore concept…

1
Bruce Ladebu | Rescuing Children From Slavery 42:43

7M ago42:43

42:43

The Curious Worldview Podcast Spotify The Curious Worldview Podcast Apple Relating Interview's To Slavery On The Curious Worldview Matthew Freidman -Human Trafficking Lisa Kristine - Photographing Modern Slavery Lisa Kristine Ted Talk Follow me on Instagram – @ryanfhogg Out Of The Slave Fields - Bruce Ladebu (Book) The Children's Rescue Initiative …

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Episode 64: Small Talk feat. Connecting (Culture) 1:59:33

7M ago1:59:33

1:59:33

This week Jun and Daniel explore the world of small talk through conversations with random strangers on the Connecting app. Our hosts discuss cultural differences in social interactions between Korea and America, practice their own small talk skills, and gather interesting perspectives from their chat partners. Topics range from stereotypes Koreans…

1
Episode 63: Kim Family Matters (Names) 1:37:47

7M ago1:37:47

1:37:47

This week Jun and Daniel dive into the world of Korean names and family genealogy. Listen as our hosts explore the cultural significance, history, and trends around names in Korea compared to America. What are the most common Korean last names and how did they originate? How do Koreans choose names for their children and what do the characters mean…

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Episode 62: Density of Water (Daily Life) 1:14:53

8M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

This week Jun and Daniel dedicate another episode to run through Daniel’s constantly growing and evolving list of notes on daily life in Korea. Our hosts tackle a 짬뽕 (hodgepodge) of topics ranging from apartment community life to driving habits and hierarchy-based social expectations. What does Daniel find depressing about his apartment living situ…

1
Episode 61: Lucky Vicky (Trends) 1:31:51

8M ago1:31:51

1:31:51

This week Jun and Daniel dive into the latest trends sweeping across Korea. From viral language catchphrases to K-pop sensations, luxury athleisure wear to running crews, and electric vehicles to trendy desserts, our hosts explore what's hot in various aspects of Korean society. They discuss the origins of these trends, debate their staying power, …

1
Episode 60: 2024 Paris Olympics (Sports) 1:27:20

8M ago1:27:20

1:27:20

This week Jun and Daniel discuss the 2024 Paris Olympics. They cover highlights from Korea's performance, memorable moments, and reflect on famous Korean Olympians throughout history. The hosts also explore cultural differences in how Korea and America approach the Olympics, from medal counting methods to how athletes are celebrated. If you're inte…

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Episode 59: Exhuma Movie Review and Shamanism (Media) 1:23:00

8M ago1:23:00

1:23:00

This week Jun and Daniel discuss Korean shamanism and occult practices through a review of the popular Korean movie "Exhuma" (or "파묘" in Korean). How integrated is shamanism in modern Korean society? What are some common superstitions and spiritual practices in Korea? How does the movie portray traditional Korean beliefs and anti-Japanese sentiment…

1
Episode 58: Korean News Headlines - July 2024 (News) 1:33:55

9M ago1:33:55

1:33:55

This week Jun and Daniel discuss some notable news headlines from July 2024. What led to the scandal surrounding popular mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, and what does it reveal about Korea's entertainment industry and cyber bullying culture? How significant is the recent Supreme Court ruling recognizing same-sex couples' rights, and what might it signal …

1
Episode 57: US Trip Recap (Reflections) 1:27:28

9M ago1:27:28

1:27:28

This week Daniel shares his reflections after spending a month back in the United States with his family. Listen in as Daniel and Jun discuss the stark differences between life in Korea versus America, from diverse communities to driving habits to portion sizes. What aspects of American life did Daniel miss most while living in Korea? How did his p…

1
Episode 56: Keeping Up With The Kimses (Parenting) 2:03:24

9M ago2:03:24

2:03:24

This week Jun and Daniel are joined by special guests Young and Grace to discuss parenting in Korea vs. America. How does the Korean postpartum care system differ from the U.S.? What level of independence do Korean parents give their children compared to American parents? How do discipline styles vary between the cultures? What is the hagwon system…

1
Ash Bhardwaj | Great Explorers, Cultural Differences & 'Why We Travel' 2:04:06

9M ago2:04:06

2:04:06

✍︎: The Curious Worldview Newsletter - the ultimate compliment to the podcast...Jon Lee AndersonCharlie WalkerFollow me on Instagram - @ryanfhoggWhy We Travel - Ash BhardwajAsh Bhardwaj is an author, journalist, film-maker and former british army who amongst his many expeditions has ventured the likes of journeying 8500km along the Russian European…

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Episode 55: E-sports and Gaming (Culture) 1:53:18

9M ago1:53:18

1:53:18

This week Jun and Daniel discuss E-sports and gaming culture with a friend of the show and professional gaming coach, Wizard Hyeong. Korea is famously known as the birthplace of Esports, where the Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA), an arm of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was founded in 2000 to promote and regulate esports in the co…

1
Episode 54: Listener Comments - Read and Response #1 (Media) 1:54:33

9M ago1:54:33

1:54:33

This week Jun and Daniel experiment with a new format in which they read and respond to various channels of fan and follower engagement. For the inaugural episode, our hosts look at comments left on their Instagram Reels and YouTube media. After reading and discussing some of the most popular comments, our hosts then give each a rating from mild, t…

1
Episode 53: Han (Concepts) 1:04:26

10M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

This week Jun and Daniel take on another so-called pillar of Korean culture and society: han. How does Jun define han, and what issue does he take with the definition from its Wikipedia page? What was behind Jun’s initial reluctance to dedicate an episode to this topic? What are some of our hosts’ personal examples of han? What does it mean to have…

1
Episode 52: One Year Of Korean. American. Podcast (Reflections) 1:20:20

10M ago1:20:20

1:20:20

This week Jun and Daniel celebrate reaching the one-year anniversary of the podcast, and successfully releasing “1 Korean. 1 American. 1 Topic Weekly.” for the entire duration. Our hosts each reflect on their most recent trips to the US and how the podcast has impacted their experience and understanding of both American and Korean society and cultu…

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Episode 51: Lovely Runner Episode 1 (Media) 1:38:52

10M ago1:38:52

1:38:52

This week Jun and Daniel discuss Korean culture through a recently trending popular K-drama: Lovely Runner (Episode 1). This time slip, romantic comedy drama series bounces between modern day and 2008 Korea. Our hosts watch the first episode and exchange notes of various cultural nuances and differences that stood out to them. What’s interesting ab…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Curious Worldview Production Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen