Shows
The Back of JapanEpisode 29: The King of City Pop and the Corridor of Lights Pt. 1Hey all you illuminated Backers,The groundhog may have seen his shadow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat the winter blues with the power of music. Enter Japan’s King of City Pop: Tatsuyo Yamashita and his bumpin’ summer album, “For You”. Track after track of consistently sunny tunes guaranteed to whisk you back to the Bubble Era and right onto some beach in July. However, for those who RELISH in winter festivities, let’s take a little stroll down the Corridor of Lights! ’Tis a special February...
2026-02-1920 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 28: Tolkien and an O-Shogatsu Food TourWelcome to 2026, you resolution-makin'/breakin' Backers!No doubt you've all had a wonderful start to the year. However, if not, perhaps the missing ingredients were a bunch of shoeless hobbits, graying wizards, magic rings and CGI battles. Sure sure - it's a New Year, New You, but kicking things off at the Shire? It's the smoking/drinking/weight-loss/new-hobby/finish-your-novel kick you didn't know you needed! To get US on the right foot, we're tucking in on a prefectural food tour that will whisk us to the bustling capital...
2026-01-0411 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 27: Silksong and Some Fiery "Momijigari"Long time, no see, you bundled Backers!True, it's been awhile, but it's all justifiable, thanks to a new unhealthy obsession with a Nintendo game designed for younger people with way more time and patience. Yes: it's Silksong. If you haven't heard, it's for the best. It. Will. Ruin. Your. Life. In. The. Most. Beautiful. Way. Speaking of beauty, you can't enjoy a Niigata fall without "momijigari", or hunting down those picturesque crimson, gold and orange orchards. It's a pastime that's been around for centuries, inspiring plays and sending...
2025-11-2012 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 26: Margarita and the "Hans Christian Andersen" of JapanHey all you crisp/cool Backers! Yes indeed, the "ber" months are upon us again! This season give Columbus Day and pumpkin spice the cold shoulder, and head straight to your local library. 'Tis the season for your nose to be stuck inside the pages of a great read, specifically the wild world of Mikhail Bulgakov's posthumous masterpiece, "The Master and Margarita". No spoilers...but it's a good 'un. Speaking of books, we're throwing a soft sepia spotlight on one of Niigata's sons: the "Hans Christian Andersen" of Japan...
2025-10-0210 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 25: Taco Bell and a Party for Uesugi KenshinThe twilight of summer is upon us, Backers! Ruuuun! Or...Head straight to your local Taco Bell, where it's HOT HOT HOT all year long, and you can cool off with the refreshingly turquoise (and healthy) Baja Blast. If that's not entirely in the cards, then Option 2 awaits...This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Lord Kenshin Festival in Joetsu, Niigata, the event honoring the eponymous daimyo of Niigata himself, Uesugi Kenshin. There's tons o' fun to be had, reenactments to revere, swords...
2025-08-2212 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 24: City Pop Girls and the Bullet Train to NiigataHey you summer-lovin' Backers! 'Tis a somber somber episode for our host, as he looks mortality in the face and presses the record button at a certain age. Music helps, especially City Pop queen Miki Matsubara and her debut LP Pocket Park (in mint-condition). Give it a spin and feel the Bubble Economy vibes! Speaking of Japan's roaring 80s, we're showing some love to the Joetsu Shinkansen, another 40-something mainstay that first connected the nation's capital to the Snow Country, courtesy of then Prime Minister - and Niigata local...
2025-06-3010 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 23: Croquettes and the Father of Japanese WineHey you full-bodied Backers!Pardon my French, but we're heavy under its influence these days, especially our appétits. Croquettes, little fried things stuffed with other things, aren't easy to ruin, but will Josh find a way? Or will it be a révolution de la cuisine?Speaking of French influence, we're tipping our flutes to Kawakami Zenbei, not only the Father of Japanese wine, but a plucky horticulturist who designed Japan's first snow cellar (yukimuro) to keep his grapes cool in the blistering summers. His delicious creation, Muscat Ba...
2025-05-2909 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 22: Chilli Con Carne and Japan's Finest BladesHey all you stainless-steeled Backers! We're on the cusp of May, which means warm weather and even warmer cuisine, particularly the kind that causes gastrointestinal issues. Chilli con Carne is the name of the game these days, but will it lead to inflamed ulcers and increased bathroom time? A deliciously spicy way to go! Cutting to the quick, this month we're covering the renowned area of Tsubame-Sanjo and its prolific output of not just Japan's finest metalworks, but perhaps the world's. We're talking top-notch cutlery used in Michelin-star restaurants...
2025-04-2910 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 21: Aliens and Some Awesome AlesGuess who’s of legal age, Backers?? But before we imbibe, Josh takes his family on an unfortunate visit into the mind of Swiss surrealist H.R. Giger at his eponymous museum; a retrospectively bad idea. Will his son be scarred for life? Can one separate the alien from the artist? Time will tell! Yes indeed, The Back of Japan turns 21, and in honor of this auspicious episode, we’re hosting and hoisting mugs of cold frothy beer from straight from Niigata. As a prefecture synonymous with sake, alcohol is in...
2025-03-3015 min
Two Fat Guys & An AlbumWhy The Joshua Tree Made U2 Legends 🌍 | Plus Blitzen Trapper’s Folk Rock Classic Furr (2FGA #12)
🎙️ Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album…the only fat guys podcast that really matters! 🎧🎸
This week, Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are shining a bright light on one of the greatest albums of the 1980s—U2’s iconic 1987 release The Joshua Tree 🌵.
With its soaring anthems, deeply spiritual lyrics, and epic soundscapes, The Joshua Tree transformed U2 into global superstars and reshaped rock music for a new era. From the cinematic sweep of Where the Streets Have No Name 🎤🌍 to the intimate ache of With or Without You, this is music that still feels timeless and u...
2025-03-291h 34The Back of JapanEpisode 20: Some Iconic Eaves Pt. 2Hey youz backers,No time for love (or preamble), Dr. Jones! It's Part 2 of our chat with Charlie Stratton and Willem Kortekaas about Niigata's longest Gangi-dōri (雁木通り), or covered eaves that are a crucial part of the Snow Country's heritage. Thanks for listening and stay warm! Josh
2025-02-2117 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 20: David Lynch and Some Iconic EavesHave a ♥️, my beloved Backers! This month there’s plenty of passion—and surreal disorientation—going around with a trip down David Lynch lane, including a Twin Peaks binge, and an immediate Mulholland Drive followup. Heartily recommended…but just space them out and make sure you’re in a safe space.Speaking of safe spaces, this week we’re taking a stroll into the snow country of Joetsu, Niigata underneath its centuries old and iconic Gangi-dōri (雁木通り), or eaves. These traditional wooden covered walkways are the longest in the nation and not for good re...
2025-02-1416 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 19: Beef Bourguignon and Some Blind Singing GozeIt’s Christmas time, you holly-jolly Backers!
Thanks to you, it’s been a great year and what better way to bring things to a close then with a food coma, brought on by an onslaught of hearty food. Will Josh’s decision to cook Beef Bourguignon cause immense delight, or instant diarrhea? It’s anybody’s guess!
In honor of Hokuriku (and the holiday), we’re throwing the spotlight on Japan’s original all-female troubadours: the long-suffering, snow-shuffling, shamisen-strumming Goze (瞽女) of Niigata. Although blind, these women would tour all over Japan, not...
2024-12-2312 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 18: Stuffing and Some Sado GoldHappy Thanksgiving, you Backers!
First off, I’m THANKFUL for you and your ears on this holiday, but not so sentimental towards stuffing. It’s a calorie-filled overhyped breaded garnish, not a necessity! Rant over.
Today, we’re digging deep (pun intended) into the history of Niigata’s own Sado Gold Mine, from its roots as a medieval silver haven to its role in fueling Japan’s national ambitions during the Edo period. But as a newly-minted UNESCO site, the skeleton’s stashed in the Mine’s tunnels are coming back int...
2024-11-2810 minThe Back of JapanHalloween Episode: A Slew of Spooky MonstersBacker, beware...
A cauldron of fear awaits you!
'Tis the midnight hour when we delve into Niigata's strange creatures: the yokai. Seven spooky monsters stand ready to chill your bones, freeze your blood, and, just perhaps, melt your heart. The gang's all here: Nekomata, Yuki-onna, Yukitaro, Yama-otoko, Azuki Arai, Danzaburou Tanuki, and Yasaburobasa. Will you survive this onslaught of eerie entities? Bwa-ha-hahahaaaa!
Nah, you'll be fine. Probably. So, break out your 80's slasher films, don your mask and say NO to "Sugar Daddy" (the...
2024-10-3014 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 16: Diphthongs and Some Tasty GrainsBack to School, all you Backers!
Well, at least me anyway. Class in session (for adults) and it's time to harvest what brain cells are left.
Speaking of harvest, it's that magical season in Japan again when that most humble - and crucial - of grains is collected and consumed: rice. And wearing the crown is the Niigata-native "koshihikari", but how did it get to the top? Where did the name come from? Who stepped in to provide the TLC? And why is a strapping rugby player in a...
2024-09-2714 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 15: Beef Bowls and Fuji RockHey you sunburnt Backers!
The weather may be hot, but there's nothing hotter than a steamy bowl of gyūdon (beef bowl) in the summer.
Well, almost...
FUJI ROCK, BABY! Every year, a gaggle of artists make their way to Niigata to perform their hearts out, and we have none other than iconoclastic founder, Masahiro Hidaka, to thank. So, this week we trace Fuji Rock's humble roots (actually near Mt. Fuji) to its current home in the Back of Japan.
2024-08-2212 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 14: Father's Day and One Proud PapaRaising a glass today for Dear Ol' Dad, and the family that have to put up with him. To all ye who've sown seed (consciously or not), hope you had a great one!
Speaking of fathers, today we take a look at the extraordinary life of Maejima Hisoka. Born in Joetsu, Niigata, he's known as the father of the Japanese postal system, but digging deeper, we find that he was much more than that. From attacking the use of kanji, building railways and rubbing shoulders with modern Japan's early elite, this guy did it...
2024-06-1811 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 13: Mother's Day and One Hot Mama'Tis a very special Back of Japan celebrating all the Moms out there for raising babies into men and women, even when we're still just big babies!
In the spirit of mamasitas, we're heading straight into Niigata's Furamachi district to shine a bright "red-light" on one of Japan's most beautiful - and maybe influential - geishas of all time: Shin Shonaiya. It's a classic rags-to-riches story, with connections to Niigata's renowned geisha scene, Niigata's Bandai Bridge and even Emperor Taisho himself!
Grab a Hallmark cards and pick out some...
2024-05-2911 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 12: The Bear and Some Cherry BlossomsHey all you Backers!
Spring is the time for growth and trying out new things, like watching FX's 2022 show, The Bear, and almost tasting the Michelin-worthy food in its kitchens.
Moreover, April showers may bring May flowers, but there are still plenty of petals to be seen, especially at Joetsu's annual "sakura hanami", or cherry-blossom festival. On this episode, we get to the roots of one of Japan's top three major night cherry blossom spots, from its origins as an aesthetic treat for Japan's troops, to a full-blown 17-day...
2024-04-2311 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 11: Irish Rock and Some Green StonesTop o' the mornin' to ya's, Back Lovers!
Not only has Spring sprung, but St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, which means lots of green socks, green beer and the pastoral sounds of Irish folk-rock band, The Pogues.
Keeping on the theme of green, we dig deep into the history of jade in Japan and Niigata's key role in its production, especially in the coastal city of Itoigawa. It's a winding tale filled with princesses, police and plenty of tectonic shifts.
References:
2024-03-1208 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 10: Detectives and Powdery SlopesHey all you Snow Bunnies,
It's full-blown winter all over, especially with Season 4 of HBO's awesome series "True Detective". Moonshine, murder and mountains of snow in Alaska's outback!
However, if that's not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to spend the colder months, and that's zipping down the beautiful Japanese mountains. We dive headfirst into the history of skiing in Japan with a retrospective on its founder: Major Theodor Edler von Lerch (try saying that 9x fast) and the impact of his legacy in Niigata that spread...
2024-01-3010 minThe Back of JapanChristmas Episode: Niigata's 5 Great RamenHappy Holidays, Back Lovers!
Since you've all presumably been good this year, Santa's giving all of us a real treat: full bowls of steaming delicious ramen from Niigata! But not just any ol' bowl, no; these are Niigata's 5 Great Ramen (新潟５大ラーメン) from all over the prefecture.
We'll be stopping by the original shops, waxing over the stories and salivating over the mouth-watering soups, including:
1. Light Soy Sauce Ramen
あっさり醤油ラーメン
三吉屋, 新潟県新潟市中央区西堀通5-829
Miyoshiya
Nishiboridori, ５−829, Niigata Island, Niigata
2. Niigata Miso Ramen
新潟濃厚味噌ラーメン
新潟県新潟市西蒲区竹野町2454-1
2023-12-2112 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 8: Eggs and Flamin' PotsPut on your aprons and light up your kilns, Back Lovers!
Due to the weather taking a chilly turn, one of the best ways to stay warm is to fill your belly with those most useful protein ovals: eggs! Lots o' ways to cook 'em, but we touch on the simple yet elegant omelette. The kitchen's no place to be scared of! You know what they say, "You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs", so go ahead and break some over a hot pan.
Next, we...
2023-11-2110 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 7: Murakami and Some Red LeavesHello there, you Jeans/Flannel Lovers!
It's spooky time and, steering far from the clutches of pumpkin spice, we touch on required Halloween reading from a master of Japanese horror: Ryu Murakami, author of disturbing classics like Piercing, In The Miso Soup and Audition. Read at your own risk!
Shifting gears, we turn to the changing of the seasons and exciting momijigari (紅葉狩り), or "Red-Leaf Hunting" that occurs this time of year in Nigata and introduce 5 spots exploding with red, and gold foliage.
In no particular order:
Yuzawa...
2023-10-1010 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 6: Interview with Author Eka Wong Pt.2Part 2 of my conversation with the super cool and excellent author, Eka Wong. We cover Koshihikari rice, importing from Japan, over-the-top food shows and simple beauty of plain onigiri.
The "Hungry In Japan" series are excellent bookshelf companions due to the deliciously arranged dishes, the comprehensive research done and practical use as a type of culinary roadmap. Even if you never get to Japan, at least the books will make you dream about its food!
Check out Eka's site here: https://www.adventuresofekawong.com/
and his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.co...
2023-08-2914 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 6: Interview with Author Eka Wong Pt.1Man-oh-man, gang, I had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Eka Wong: doctor, father and author of the very popular "Hungry In Japan" series and it was awesome. To boot, he even agreed to speak with me and waste his precious free time while his young son slept! What a guy, eh?
We took a little trip down Eka's past, touching on the origin story of his books and then switched gears to Japanese food and hit on "Koshihikari" rice and other delights. His sheer knowledge of Japanese culture and cooking alone rivalved most guidebooks I've read...
2023-08-2416 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 5: Birthdays and Sado IslandWoohoo! It's A Very Back of Japan Birthday!
On this episode, Josh...
-fortells his mouth-watering birthday lunch
-goes an overview trip to the beautiful island of Sado Island and explores its early roots in Japanese history
-brushes over the Sado's diverse topography, like a Bob Ross canvas
-drops a golden bombshell about the real reason behind Sado's fame
Thanks for listening and come visit soon!
2023-06-2908 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 4: Zelda and the Door To EchigoHappy Late Mother's Day, you guys!
In this episiode,
-Josh gets his filthy hands on the new Zelda game, but fears its addictive power
-We answer a few burning questions about Echigo, specifically HOW DID ECHIGO COME FROM KOSHI, HOW BIG WAS ECHIGO, and HOW DID ECHIGO GET ITS NAME
-Now with Koshi out of the way, we've cleared the road to Echigo. Onward!
Map of Echigo - https://www.flickr.com/photos/108745105@N04/14700936039/
A Basic Research on Epidemics during the...
2023-05-1708 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 3: Hanami and Some Burning WaterHappy Hanami, you guys!
In this episode,
-Josh gushes about the ups and downs of spring, including his allergies
-We discuss the beauty and history of the sakura-hanami in Niigata, especially in Joetsu's Takada Park
-Then we switch gears and discuss the VERY LAST reference to Koshi Land, which involves an emperor, some burning water and some burning land. Hot hot stuff!
Ensui Festival - https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/41836
Kurokawa Basin Culture - https://www.hrr.mlit.go.jp/iide...
2023-04-2707 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 2: Apologies and a FenceIn this episode:
-Josh apologizes for getting ahead of himself and slooooooooows his Koshi roll
-More super old references to Koshi Country (future Kokuriku areas) in Japan
-First recorded castle walls in existence were built on the borders of Koshikuni by the Yamata government in response to Ezo threat in the north
Nuttari Fence (沼垂柵)
https://www.city.niigata.lg.jp/higashi/torikumi/seisaku/nutarinoki/nutari_explanation.html
https://smcb.jp/communities/24955/topics/1737360
Iwafune Fence
(岩船柵) https://main-oosaki.ssl-lolipop.jp/allstar/185...
2023-03-0607 minThe Back of JapanEpisode 1: All The Way Back to KoshiIn our first episode, we dig up the origins of the Back: the land of Koshi, which includes modern-day Niigata, Fukui and Toyama prefectures. We find references in the the Kojiki (712 AD) the Nihon Shoki (720 AD) and the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki (733 AD). Also, big unpronounceable names abound:
Izanakino-no-mikoto - primordial male deity associated with Japan's creation story
Izanamino-no-mikoto - primordial female deity associated with Japan's creation story
Ōkuninushi (Yachihoko-no-Kami) - the god of agriculture and champion of t Yamata no Orochi
Princess Nunakawahime - goddess of jade from Koshi, modern-day Niiga...
2023-02-0807 min
2023-01-2801 min
LightningBolt Theater of the MindMy Immortal Episode 5My Immortal Episode 05
Adapted for radio by: Tanja Milojevic
Sound Design: Joshua J. Price
Rated R for Strong language, sexual content and violence
Ebony suffers a few alarming visions and seeks Professor Trelawney to determine their meaning. Together they plot a way to foil Voldemort's evil plan to kill Vampire.
Including the voice talents of:
Ebony Darkness Dementia Raven Way: Nikole Robbinson Carroll
Draco Malfoy: Jack Ward
"Vampire"/Harry Potter: Robert Cudmore
Professor Dumbledore: Viktor Aurelius
...
2020-07-3015 minLightningBolt Theater of the MindMy Immortal Episode 3My Immortal Episode 03
Adapted for radio by: Tanja Milojevic
Sound Design: Joshua J. Price
Rated R for Strong language, sexual content and violence
Ebony embarks on a dangerous mission after recieving some devastating news from headmaster Dumbledore.
Including the voice talents of:
Ebony Darkness Dementia Raven Way: Nikole Robinson Carroll
Draco Malfoy: Jack Ward
"Vampire"/Harry Potter: Robert Cudmore
Professor Snape: Alex Gilmour
Professor Dumbledore: Viktor Aurelius
Tiffany: Tanja Milojevic
Britney: Amanda Furr
"Diabolo"/Ron Weasley: Joshua Price
Lord Voldemort: Ryan West
"Bloody Mary...
2020-06-1214 minLightningBolt Theater of the MindMy Immortal Episode 1My Immortal Episode 01
Adapted for radio by: Tanja Milojevic
Sound Design: Joshua J. Price
Rated R for Strong language, sexual content and violence
Lightningbolt Theater of the Mind proudly presents, without further delay, "My Immortal". Yes, that's right...the imfamous harry Potter Fan Fiction that hit the internet around 2008/2009 has been adapted for radio as a mini series and uploaded here. This unique take on the Harry Potter saga centers around a young teenage witch named Ebony Way, and tells her story as she falls in love with Draco Malfoy. She must face...
2020-05-3109 min
Book Cougars Podcast: Two Middle-Aged Women on the Hunt for a Good ReadA Jaunt To See Two NY Times Bestselling Authors!Episode Forty Three Show Notes
CW = Chris Wolak
EF = Emily Fine
– Windham Campbell Awards –
See the 2018 winners: http://windhamcampbell.org/recipients
Join our Goodreads Group!
Let us know what you want us to choose as the next read along. You can email, tweet or join the discussion on the Goodreads page.
– Currently Reading/Listening –
Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide Open Heart – Scott Stabile (EF)
Chicago Poems – Carl Sandburg (CW)
The Selected Letters of Willa Cather – Willa Cather, Andrew Jewell (CW)
Broken Girls – Simone St. James (CW)
Read Chris’s review of the book and enter a giveaway to win th...
2018-03-2049 min