Episoder

  • Today, we're diving into the extraordinary journey of Susan Fang, a leading figure in East Asia's education sector. With over two decades of expertise, Susan has been pivotal in linking East Asian students with UK higher education and independent schools.

    But Susan's story is more than just professional success. She's a passionate advocate for British education, bridging the gap between East and West.

    Despite juggling parenting and a busy schedule, Susan finds solace in the great outdoors, often tackling marathons. Fun fact: she completed her hundredth lifetime half marathon in August 2021—an incredible feat!

    In our chat, we delve into Susan's incredible journey, touching on everything from childhood bullies turned friends, to re-learning Mandarin, and even how she incorporated her wedding day with a World Cup celebration. Join us for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with this remarkable woman who continues to break barriers and inspire others.

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann

    The Moon represents my heart Teresa Teng

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    Instagram fangsusan

    LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanfang-ukeducationchina

  • In this new episode of our podcast, we are thrilled to introduce the incredibly talented Laura Marin, a 19-year-old Galician-Portuguese Philology student from the University of Coruña in Spain. Laura has garnered widespread attention on social media, charming audiences with her acoustic covers of Balkan songs—a passion that ignited when she was just a nine-year-old. Her self-taught mastery of Serbian and Croatian showcases her deep love for the music of the former Yugoslavia, steering her towards her dream of becoming a celebrated singer in the Balkan region.

    Join us as Laura shares her fascinating journey, delving into her initial fascination with the Balkans, a place with which she had no prior connection. She recounts the early days of her musical venture, her profound connection with her beautiful homeland of Galicia, and her inexplicable affinity for the music and people of the Balkans. Laura's tales of her visit to Sarajevo, including a memorable concert with Halid Beslic, offer a glimpse into the realisation of her dreams.

    This episode is a real treat, featuring Laura's mesmerising vocal performances as she samples a variety of covers from different Balkan authors and countries. Don't miss this extraordinary insight into the life of a young artist fiercely pursuing her dreams, driven by a unique and passionate love for a culture not her own. Tune in to be inspired by Laura Marin's remarkable story and enchanting music.

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann

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    Instagram @zovemselaura

    TikTok

    YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9X-px40CnE

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  • Welcome to the latest episode of Two Worlds One Me! In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Cody McClain Brown, an Oklahoma native whose journey led him to Croatia after falling in love with a Croatian girl. Cody's captivating story unfolds in his bestselling book, "Chasing a Croatian Girl." Join us as we delve into Cody's roots in Oklahoma, his early passion for drawing, and the serendipitous encounter that changed his life forever. Discover the warmth of Croatian hospitality through Cody's lens, as he shares anecdotes about his wife and his mother-in-law's nurturing spirit. We also explore the cultural significance of "draft" in Croatia and its unexpected consequences. With Cody's sharp wit and engaging storytelling, this conversation is bound to leave you entertained and enlightened. Tune in for a delightful journey with Cody McClain Brown.

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann

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    To find out more about Cody McClain Brown's work - see below:

    Instagram @codymcclainbrown

    linkedin.com/in/cody-mcclain-brown-60993720

    Website

    zablogreb.blogspot.com/ (Blog)

  • I am thrilled to introduce a guest whose life story is as diverse and captivating as the many places she's called home - Ramayana Mabita.
    Ramayana's life is a tapestry of experiences -she's been a refugee, an immigrant, and now, a serial expat, having lived in seven countries across three continents.

    Our journey with Ramayana starts with a fascinating revelation. I first came across her story on Davide Bailey's podcast, 'Englishman in the Balkans,' and was so intrigued by her experiences that I knew I had to invite her to share them with us too. Today, she brings her story to us, offering us a glimpse into a life shaped by constant movement and cultural immersion.

    In this episode, we'll explore Ramayana's roots in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we'll talk about her refugee years in Germany then continue on her adventures across the globe. We'll touch upon the vibrant cultures of Bosnia, DR Congo, the rhythmic heartbeats of Madagascar, and the rich heritage of Zimbabwe. Ramayana, an avid lover of African music, will share her journey of discovering new artists and the deep connection she feels with their music.

    We'll also delve into her personal life, uncovering the charming story of how she met her husband and the family's initial reactions. In Ramayana's household, where languages intertwine and multiple religions coexist, every day is a unique blend of diverse traditions and beliefs.

    So, join us as we embark on this fascinating conversation with Ramayana Mabita, a woman whose life story is a testament to the beauty of our world's diversity. Let the journey begin!

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann

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    Instagram - bosnian_girl_in_africa

  • Join us in this episode as we delve into the intriguing journey of Hafiz Abdul Manan, a seasoned engineer, passionate YouTuber, and a man whose life's canvas spans across continents.

    Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Estonia when he was 27 years old, and it's been eight years since his big move. He'll tell us about how he feels he's learned more in these eight years than in his entire life.

    Professionally, Manan is an engineer with over seven years of experience in the automotive industry. He also holds a master's degree in design from Estonia. Besides his engineering work, he's been making interesting videos on YouTube for the past two years.

    Manan is a warm and kind person, and during our chat, we discussed his love for his family and his home country, Pakistan. He shared what attracted him to life in Estonia and talked about the challenges he faced, like adjusting to the different amount of light and color there. He also spoke about his deep love for Pakistani food.

    Manan's reflections will captivate and resonate, inviting you to discover the beauty of embracing change and the richness of cultural diversity.

    Our conversation was deep and thought-provoking, and I'm sure you'll find it interesting to listen to. It's all about Manan's experiences, the lessons he's learned, and the beauty of embracing change in life. Tune in and be inspired by the enriching wisdom shared in this episode. and heartfelt conversation! 🌟

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann

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    LinkedIn - Hafiz Abdul Manan
    YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/MananAnwar
    https://lifeinestonia.com/

  • Hold onto your headphones because our latest episode is here, and it was well worth the wait!

    This time, we're sitting down with a true adventurer, Ivan Djogic, who seamlessly bridges the worlds of Croatia and Iran. While most people dream of exploring the West, Ivan chose a different path—a road less traveled to the East. He embarked on a remarkable journey to Iran, a destination many wouldn't even dare to consider. And the surprise? After just five and a half years living there, he now calls Iran his home.

    Ivan is not only an intrepid explorer but also a captivating storyteller. During our conversation, we explore his upbringing in Croatia, his studies in Austria, and even how he humorously divides his life into two phases: 'before' and 'after' a certain breakup. Ivan shares the tale of his settling-in period in Iran, how he met his wife, and a treasure trove of other thrilling stories.

    So, if you're eager for an inspiring and engaging conversation, you're in the right place. Ivan Djogic's journey is bound to leave you in awe

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    Ivan's instagram account
    ivan_dogic

    Ivan's Books
    -Iran u prezentu (in Croatian)
    https://shop.skolskaknjiga.hr/iran-u-prezentu.html
    -Djeca Irana (in Croatian)
    https://www.vbz.hr/book/djeca-irana/

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann



  • Join me in this episode of "Two Worlds, One Me", as I sit down with the fascinating David Bailey, or as he likes to call himself, Pejcinovic-Bailey. David has had an extraordinary life, starting with his career as a soldier, serving in Germany and the UK from mid to late 90s. But that was just the beginning.

    After leaving the military, David embarked on a new adventure as a broadcaster, working for renowned organisations like the BBC, Independent Radio, and British Forces Broadcasting. His experiences behind the microphone took him to various places around the world.

    In 1996, David joined the UK Army Reserves and took on the role of a media officer. From there, he ventured into conflict zones, serving in Bosnia, Canada, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. But it doesn't stop there. David's passion for media led him to become a media trainer in Ethiopia and the South Caucasus.

    Since 2005, David has made a charming village in the northwest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, called Cardacani, his home base. He claims that it's where he's happiest, and I can't wait to delve into the reasons why.

    Now, let me share a few intriguing facts about David. Did you know that he conquered the two highest peaks in Ecuador back in 1989? Impressive, right? In recognition of his valuable service, he was awarded the Queen's commendation in 1999 and even made an MB in 2002, all for his contributions in the former Yugoslavia.

    While David claims to speak "passable" German, he admits to struggling with the languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. But don't be fooled, he can certainly get by now.

    As for how I stumbled upon David, it was through my endless quest for captivating podcasts covering the Balkans and the former Yugoslavia. And yes, did I strike gold! His podcast, aptly named "English Man in The Balkans," is filled with remarkable conversations with intriguing individuals from the region and beyond.

    So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and join me as I uncover the incredible life of David Bailey in this episode of "An Englishman in The Balkans." Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

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    Look out for David Bailey's podcast called "An Englishman in the Balkans"
    You can also subscribe to his blog with the same title and find him on Instagram, look for An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast

    Look out for David's new podcast "The Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina Podcast"

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann





  • Welcome to today's podcast episode featuring an incredible guest, Arlyn Kostelac. Arlyn has lived in three different worlds throughout her life - the Philippines where she was born, Japan where she spent seven years, and the US where she currently resides.

    In this episode, we have a delightful chat with Arlyn about her experiences navigating these diverse cultures and how they've influenced her identity. We delve into the challenges Arlyn faced during her childhood, her perseverance in fighting for a better life, her love for adventure and exploring new places, countries and meeting new people. We also talk about Arlyn's passions for writing and running, which have played significant roles in her life.

    Arlyn shares her unique insights with us in a chatty and engaging conversation that's sure to captivate your attention. So, sit back, relax, and join us for an episode that promises to broaden your horizons.


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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann

  • In this podcast episode, you'll meet Margo D'Heygere. Margo's two worlds are Belgium and Denmark, and she loves to explore new cultures.

    In Denmark, Margo runs a buddy program that helps newcomers settle in easily. When she's not working, Margo likes to hang out with friends, try different food, and exercise.

    Margo is a very brave and curious person who enjoys learning and experiencing other cultures. During our chat, we talk about how important family and friends are in Denmark, the concept of hygge (which is about feeling cozy and content), and some tips on adapting to new cultures.

    It's an excellent conversation that you won't want to miss!

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    To find out more about Margo D'Heygere, please find her on LinkedIn

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

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    Music thanks to John Bartmann




  • Today I have the pleasure of featuring an amazing and inspirational businesswoman, Moonie Zhu. Moonie comes from two cultural worlds, China and Germany, and in this episode, she takes us on a journey through her childhood in Nanjing and shares with us her experiences and insights from her life.

    Moonie also talks about her decision to study in Germany and her first impressions of the country. She shares how her fearless attitude during her youth helped her navigate through unfamiliar territories. Additionally, we delve into her love for her own culture, language, and how being far away from it has made her appreciate it even more.

    Moonie is grateful to have both worlds and loves them equally. Her story is one of positivity and inspiration, and we can't wait for you to tune in and enjoy this episode!

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    You can find Moonie Zhu on LinkedIn.


    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann

  • My guest today is Ian Foster. His two worlds are England and Austria.
    Ian started his career with a degree in Southeast Asian studies from the University of Hull. Being very linguistically able, he studied quite a few different languages, with German being one of them. In 2015, he did an MBA in sustainable management and runs two companies.
    He has been married to a wonderful Austrian wife for 32 years now, and he has two grown up children.
    In our conversation we talk about his life, his travel adventures, about how he met his Austrian wife. We talk about his two worlds and how they define who he is.

    I am sure that you will enjoy listening to Ian's story - tune in and have a listen!

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    You can find Ian Foster on LinkedIn.

    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann

  • Today, I would like to introduce you to my wonderful guest - Shoko Doherty. Her two worlds are Japan and Wales.
    Shoko is a CEO of Celtic English Academy, a British council accredited English language school in Cardiff.

    She is originally from Omuta, Fukuoka coal mining region of Japan.
    Shoko is educated in both Japan and Wales and has a music degree from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. She has a great interest in music, heritage, and culture of Wales and a strong passion for strengthening the links between these two countries.

    Shoko is deeply committed to advocating for a sustainable future for the next generations by championing diversity, wellbeing, fairness, inclusivity and flexibility.
    She is a mum and has three children aged 12, 10, and two.

    Along the way we talk about her journey, how it all started, about culture shock, both for her while settling in in Wales and for her Welsh husband on his visits to Japan. We discuss languages, food, children and talk about identity.

    This is such a delightful conversation which I enjoyed so much. If a conversation could taste of anything, this one tastes of the most comforting Japanese miso soup, which I also LOVE!

    I am sure that you will enjoy tuning in to this beautiful and open-hearted conversation!

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    You can find Shoko Doherty on LinkedIn.

    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann


  • My amazing guest today is Soumaya Khalifa. Her two worlds are Egypt and the US.
    Soumaya specializes in intercultural communication, leadership development, religion in the workplace, corporate diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging.

    In our conversation, she tells us the story of her family's journey from Egypt to the States and how it all started. Along the way we talk about what it has been like living as an American Muslim and how she decided to start wearing a headscarf. We talk about islamophobia in the States and in the world in general. We discuss Soumaya's love of both of her worlds, her love of food, particularly Egyptian food, which has a special place in her heart.

    Soumaya is a very powerful business woman, a lovely and kind person, a loving wife and a mother. This is such a wonderful, open-hearted conversation and I am very grateful to Soumaya for sharing her beautiful life story with me.
    I am sure that you will enjoy listening to this story.

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    You can find Soumaya on LinkedIn.


    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann


  • In this episode, I bring you Leah Merete Robb - a strong, resilient woman, painter and activist. Leah grew up in Scotland. Her father is Scottish and her mother is Danish. She studied art in Dundee in Scotland from 1996 to 2000, graduating with an honors degree in drawing and painting. Leah moved to the country of her mother's origin first in 2000.

    Along the way we talk about her childhood, her paintings. Leah's paintings speak volumes. They are very revolutionary, always inspiring the observer to change the world. We talk about Leah's in depth understanding of human nature and understanding of addiction. We discuss dumpster diving, the life in Freetown Christiania and much more.

    Leah admires strength and is always testing her limits - you will love hearing her story, just as much I enjoyed speaking to her. Enjoy it!

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    Leah's website
    http://leahrobb.com/

    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann



  • My guest today is Mieko Zukerman.
    She was born and grew up in a very traditional family in Tokyo, Japan, in the fifties. She did a degree in music at a music college in Tokyo, followed by a diploma in Japanese as a foreign language.

    Mieko's career started as a teacher of Japanese language, piano and swimming, in Tokyo. After some years, she met the love of her life, an Englishman, she got married, had two children, a daughter, and a son and when the children were 13 and nine years old, they moved to England in 1996.

    Mieko joins me to talk about her childhood, about her family's traditional ways, about her move to the UK and how she and the family adjusted to the British culture, about what Japan means to her and her children.
    Finally we discuss lessons that she has learnt and that she would like to pass on to people who move away from the country of their birth to settle and live in another country.

    Mieko is such a lovely, kind person. It is such a privilege to have her as their Japanese teacher.
    Enjoy listening!

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann

  • My very special guest today is Norma Beatriz Perez Gonzalez Brisbois, or she likes to call herself Norma Carpediem, which means "seize the day".
    With an MA in sociology, Norma has worked in cultural integration in humanitarian aid for over 14 years and she is always finding ways to empower the vulnerable and marginalized groups and minorities.

    Norma joins me to talk about her worlds which are so diverse and amazingly interesting.
    We talk about her childhood in the Dominican Republic, about the move to Spain then Belgium and finally Norway.

    Norma shares her insights and tells us about the ways she balances the multiple cultures she has in her life. Along the way we talk about cold water bathing in Oslo, and how she mindfully enjoys and treasures the nature.

    Norma is a wonderfully positive and inspiring person who trusts people around her, She is curious by nature and finds curiosity as one of the most important human characteristics which opens doors to new encounters and new worlds.

    I invite you to listen to this brilliant conversation. I am sure that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
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    For more insights into Norma's great Blog writing, here is the link
    My crazy Carpediem Life

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann

  • It is my absolute great pleasure to introduce you to my new amazingly talented guest, Dafne Kritharas.

    Dafne is a passionate singer with a divine voice, and I am so excited to tell you that you will be able to hear some of her beautiful songs, as we talk about her new album, Varka. Along the way we discuss what singing means to her and what inspires her to sing, write and compose.

    Dafne's cultural worlds are France and Greece. She talks about her childhood, about her father, her mother and her partner Paul, who is her soulmate wh0 brings meaning and another dimension to her life.
    We also talk about food and cooking, as Dafne loves cooking and sharing it with people.

    Dafne has a wonderfully joyful manner about her. She speaks with passion and joie de vivre!

    With Dafne’s songs of exile and uprooting, you will be transported to the most beautiful Greek islands, the Mediterranean, to the old times of 1920s, 1930s, and to modern France at the same time.

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    Dafne's Official YouTube channel
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBE0ljU5IqGMT0BaZAzd7YQ

    You can also follow Dafne's work on her Instagram
    @dafnekritharas

    Dafne's songs used in this episode:

    Amygdalaki
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmNg3nlERCo

    Ο Περιστερώνας /O Peristeronas
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaaECwXSshI

    Ανάθεμα τον αίτιο - Anathema ton aitio
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvajgOnEkVo

    U Stambolu na Bosforu
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amnryfGsFj0

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann

  • You are in for a treat in this episode. My guest today is Iva Bicanic.
    Iva is a Dutch Croatian clinical psychologist. She's a researcher, post-traumatic stress disorder therapist and she specializes in the treatment of victims of sexual abuse. Iva has spent over 20 years researching and changing the global conversation around this very difficult topic.

    Recently, Iva took an active part in making a 7 part series in which she and the crew revisited all the countries that used to be part of the former Yugoslavia, 30 years since the war and the break-up.

    Iva joins me to talk about her two worlds - Croatia and the Netherlands. We talk about her parents, her childhood and lovely hot summers which she spent with her family on the Croatian coast. We then talk about the 7 part TV series, which was called "De Tranen van Tito" or "Tito's Tears" in English. The series sounds extremely interesting and powerful as it plays an important role in the trauma healing in that region as well as any region that has had to go through war.

    We then talk about what home means to Iva and share some lovely recipes that illustrate what home tastes and smells like for Iva.

    I loved this conversation - Iva speaks with such positivity and excitement for life.

    Even if this wasn't my own podcast, I'd tell you that this episode is a must-listen.

    To contact Iva on LinkedIn
    linkedin.com/in/iva-bicanic-8656474

    Websites

    Psychotraumacentrum.nl (Company Website)centrumseksueelgeweld.nl (Company Website

    To watch De Tranen van Tito in Dutch

    Iva's favourite Croatian recipe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n61vcvhH5co

    And this one is the same recipe, but in English https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/croatian-cooking-plum-dumplings-recipe-knedle-sa-sljivama/
    Great website with lots of interesting recipes from the Balkans.

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann


  • My guest today is a very inspiring young entrepreneur Jake Xu. Jake joins me to talk about his two worlds - China and England, or more precisely Beijing and Bath.

    Jake and his twin brother Shane came to Bath some 22 years ago to study and experience life in Europe. In our conversation Jake takes us on this journey from his childhood in China to his current life in the UK. We talk about challenges with settling in and how he and his brother overcame them. Along the way we discuss his positive mindset, what home means to him, and we share some important lessons.

    I loved this conversation so much because Jake speaks with such honesty, clarity and humour about what it is like to be an entrepreneur with the positive mindset, a business person who is driven and always looks for ways to better himself. Enjoy listening!

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann

  • Very excited about today's guest Michel Benedict. Michel was born in Switzerland and his other worlds are France, England and Brazil.

    He is a truly international businessman who has founded a great number of businesses. He's passionate about resilience, entrepreneurship and sustainability. He speaks five languages and is fascinated by foreign cultures. He loves good food, wine, travel, reading and the arts.

    Michel joins me to talk about the challenges of moving a whole family to settle abroad. Along the way we talk about languages and how they brought up their children tri-lingually. We explore what home means to Michel. He remembers things that his mum, who recently passed away, instilled in him such as the love of learning and expressing one's own view. Michel loves cooking - some food, such as souffle and fondue, take him back to his childhood and evoke pleasant memories of his mum.

    I am so grateful for Michel's curiosity and honesty. This was such a stimulating conversation, which I am sure you will enjoy listening to.

    Follow my Instagram @twoworldsonemepodcast for photos and a delicious Swiss fish souffle recipe.

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    If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is [email protected]

    Music thanks to John Bartmann