Best Guys Learning Japanese Podcasts (2025)

1
Interview: Cancellation Island, with John Cameron Mitchell, Part Two: Action, Praxis, Presence and Poetry 31:41

1d ago31:41

31:41

In a world where everyone feels divided by identity politics, ideology and the fear of cancellation, how does an individual navigate a cultural minefield? How can we empower and encourage direct action? In the second part of this two-part interview segment, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome returning guest John Cameron Mitchell for a wide-ranging explorat…

1
Made in America: Growing FilterBuy.com Into a $250 Million Business 1:02:04

2d ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Ever wonder if you can truly compete with overseas manufacturing from right here in the U.S.? This week, I’m kicking off a two-part series on American manufacturing by sitting down with David Heacock, CEO of Filterbuy.com. David shares how he grew a family business into a $250M powerhouse, all while keeping production entirely on U.S. soil. Listen …

1
Brain-controlled iPhones, a Japanese asset buy-a-thon, and Trump tax cut debt 8:59

2d ago8:59

8:59

It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Japanese asset buyers make it rain, an iPhone ... powered by the brain?! And, how are we going to pay for these Trump tax cuts? We explain! Related episodes: What's going to happen to the Trump tax cuts? (Apple / Spot…

1
Listener Mail: Global Rare Earth Unrest, Fears of Martial Law, the Guys Hire an ICP Expert 50:57

2d ago50:57

50:57

Could growing regional conflicts be driven by the race to control certain mineral resources? Could the United States slide into martial law -- if so, what would that mean? Join Ben and Matt for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read…

1
Bond market nightmares 9:29

1d ago9:29

9:29

In early April, the bond market gave people a scare. Investors began selling off their historically secure U.S. Treasuries in large quantities. It reportedly encouraged President Trump to pause his flurry of liberation day tariffs. These jitters offered a glimpse into what could go wrong for U.S. Treasuries if economic uncertainty gets worse. On to…

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ANDOR After Show: Season 2: Episodes 10–12 3:24:58

3d ago3:24:58

3:24:58

SERIES FINALE! The adventures of Cassian Andor come to an explosive conclusion this week in the fourth and final block of episodes from ANDOR Season 2: "Make it Stop," "Who Else Knows?," and "Jedha, Kyber, Erso." Join us for a lively RFR After Show looking back at these episodes and the entire series now that it has officially wrapped up. As always…

1
Interview: Cancellation Island, with John Cameron Mitchell, Part One: The Lost Art of Gnostic Nuance 52:49

3d ago52:49

52:49

What does it mean to be 'canceled'? How do we collectively navigate the baffling, complex and contradictory world of an 'always-on' society? In the first part of this week's special two-part interview, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome the legendary writer, actor, playwright and activist, John Cameron Mitchell, creator of Cancellation Island, for a wide-r…

1
What we misunderstand about gun violence 9:29

3d ago9:29

9:29

The U.S. is known around the world for its problem with gun violence. The vast majority of murders in the U.S. are committed using guns. But what leads one person to shoot another? The "conventional wisdom" says gun violence is usually the act of calculated criminals or people acting out of desperate economic circumstances. But economist Jens Ludwi…

1
CLASSIC: Is the Dead Sea copper scroll an ancient treasure map? 59:32

4d ago59:32

59:32

Odds are you've heard of the Dead Sea scrolls -- when the first of these ancient texts were discovered in the 1940s, the scrolls revolutionized our understanding of the past, and, in some cases, gave historians and archaeologists more questions than answers. One scroll, discovered in 1952, remains unique in the collection. It doesn't contain religi…

1
A brief history of NPR funding 9:32

4d ago9:32

9:32

Where does NPR get its funding? Today on the show, we open our books and share a brief history of public radio. And we learn what's at stake with President Trump's executive order to cut off federal funding to NPR. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly…

1
Strange News: AI Lovers, Cannabis Burns, Mineral Deals, Underground Cities and Nbiriu Rides Again 59:15

5d ago59:15

59:15

Concerns rise over human relationships with sycophantic chatbots. A town in Türkiye burns confiscated cannabis, prompting controversy. Former US officials the country spent trillions of dollars off the books to create disaster-proof underground cities for the elite. UKR-US mineral deals prompt accusations of quid-pro-quo deals. There may be a genui…

1
It's actually really hard to make a robot, guys 9:26

6d ago9:26

9:26

Robots have been a thing for a long time, but they've never quite met expectations. While AI has changed the game for chatbots, it's not quite so clear for robots. NPR science desk correspondent Geoff Brumfiel spoke to our colleagues over on our science podcast Short Wave on how humanoid robots are actually developing with the help of artificial in…

1
183. 海外の選挙を知る！日本との違いにびっくり。Discovering Elections Abroad! Surprised by the Differences from Japan 32:49

7d ago32:49

32:49

オーストラリアの生徒（せいと）さんが選挙（せんきょ）のお手伝（てつだ）いをしているということから、オーストラリアの選挙（せんきょ）のやり方（かた）を知（し）りました。日本（にほん）とは投票（とうひょう）の仕方（しかた）が全然（ぜんぜん）違（ちが）うことに驚（おどろ）きました。そこで、今回（こんかい）は世界（せかい）の選挙事情（せんきょじじょう）について調（しら）べてみました。投票（とうひょう）の仕方（しかた）はその国（くに）それぞれに違（ちが）いがあり、とても興味深（きょうみぶか）いです。みなさんの国（くに）ではどんな風（ふう）に投票（とうひょう）しますか？日本（にほん）と同（おな）じですか？それとも全（まった）く違（ちが）いますか？よかったらコメント欄（らん）で教（おし）えてください。 I…

1
Andor and The Underworld 2:04:07

8d ago2:04:07

2:04:07

In the wake of the amazing “Ghorman Massacre” arc from ANDOR season 2, there is still much ground to cover. We have highlights from a fresh interview with Andor writer Dan Gilroy, brother of showrunner Tony Gilroy. Dan provides some quality insight into the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Turning our ears toward ANDOR, we tak…

1
CLASSIC: What is "Qanon"? 1:05:00

8d ago1:05:00

1:05:00

What if the stories and narratives you hear in the average mainstream media reporting aren't the entire truth? What if there's something else going on, a secret war between a shadowy cabal and a small group of brave, outnumbered good guys fighting back against their insidious plans for world domination? This is, according to QAnon proponents, a tru…

1
From Near Death Experience to One of the Coolest Products I’ve Ever Seen 53:47

9d ago53:47

53:47

Have you ever wondered what happens when you completely walk away from a successful business, and build something even more meaningful? This week, I’m joined by Ben Katzaman, founder of Sculpted Peaks, who shares how a near-death experience led him to rethink his life, sell his first company, and start fresh with a business built around passion, cr…

1
What's in YOUR wallet? 10:04

9d ago10:04

10:04

It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: China bulks up for a financial chill, how much Americans should save for a rainy day, and the price of used cars goes up. Related episodes: America's small GDP bump, China's big stimulus dispersal, and a Monkey King (…

1
Listener Mail: Backmasking, More Meat Heists, and New England Murders 53:49

9d ago53:49

53:49

Twenty Novel Hotels prompts a re-exploration of earlier conversations regarding backmasking and moral panics. Fellow Conspiracy Realists respond to Ben's questions about meat heists and commercial trucking. Ignicus and others ask for more information regarding the possibility of an active serial killer in New England. All this and more in this week…

1
It's hard out there for a Fed chair 9:04

10d ago9:04

9:04

President Trump has flirted with firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell since returning to office, but can he legally do that? Not without good cause. Today on the show, the danger of Trump's amped up attacks on Powell and the Fed's independence. Follow Chris Hughes on Substack. Related listening: A primer on the Federal Reserve's Independence …

1
ANDOR After Show: Season 2: Episodes 7–9 3:30:50

10d ago3:30:50

3:30:50

The Ghorman Massacre is finally upon us as the you-know-what hits the fan this week on ANDOR. And the fallout is just as intense as Mon Mothma takes an official stand against The Empire putting her life at risk. Meanwhile, Dedra and Syril see their relationship come to a a wicked conclusion. Join us as we look at the second arc of ANDOR Season 2: "…

1
The Prophecy of the Popes 1:00:05

10d ago1:00:05

1:00:05

It seemed the world paused on April 21, 2025, when 88-year-old Pope Francis passed away after a long struggle with multiple health issues. As the Catholic church and the world at large wonders what the future will bring, a once-obscure piece of writing is back in the public zeitgeist: the "Prophecy of the Popes," which purports to predict the ascen…

1
Why do shrimpers like tariffs? 9:54

11d ago9:54

9:54

Many businesses are scared of what President Trump's tariffs will mean for their industry. However, the shrimping industry is one that doesn't seem to be worried. In fact, shrimpers say they welcome them. On today's episode, why shrimpers are embracing the tariffs and whether economists agree that this tariff is good for Americans. Related episodes…

1
CLASSIC: The Story of Atlantis 1:03:38

11d ago1:03:38

1:03:38

The legendary civilization of Atlantis was first mentioned in the works of Plato, in dialogues that claimed to recount information from translations of ancient Egyptian texts. And people have been searching for this city ever since. So what was Atlantis, exactly? A metaphor, a work of fiction ... or a real, physical place? Join "Ben," Matt and Noel…

1
What do farmers do in a trade war? 9:44

12d ago9:44

9:44

Two American farmers tell us how they're feeling about a trade war that targets the soybean industry's biggest customer: China. Related episodes: How many times can you say uncertainty in one economic report? (Apple / Spotify) Why Trump's potential tariffs are making business owners anxious (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicat…

1
Strange News: The Power Goes Out, Fluoridation, Rampant Masturbation, Disney, anti-Narcocorridos, and More 1:01:14

12d ago1:01:14

1:01:14

What caused the massive power blackout in Spain and Portugal? Anti-fluoridation activists gain ground in the wake of RFK Jr's newest statement. A former Disney employee gets in hot water for hacking menus. Mexico hopes to popularize anti-narcocorridos. The tariff controversy surrounding Amazon and the White House. The FBI may be close to eating its…

1
Trump's cuts come for food banks 9:06

13d ago9:06

9:06

The Beigie Awards are back to recognize the regional Federal Reserve Bank with the best Beige Book entry. On today's episode, we shine a spotlight on a Midwest food bank. Related episodes: Why Midwest crop farmers are having a logistics problem (Apple / Spotify) How many times can you say uncertainty in one economic report? (Apple / Spotify) For sp…

1
Chris Mahony | Go RVing Canada - The Intersection Between RVing and Biking 59:43

13d ago59:43

59:43

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I've had the chance to connect with Chris Mahoney, President of Go RVing Canada, a not for profit focused on promoting the RV lifestyle. After an initial discussion, we thought this could be a really interesting podcast, as both the bikepacking and RVing lifestyles are centred around exploration a…

1
182. 長島、万博の次はここ！ディズニー人気アトラクションを語る。After Nagashima and the Expo… Disneyland’s Top Attractions! 32:47

14d ago32:47

32:47

長島（ながしま）スパーランドや、大阪（おおさか）万博（ばんぱく）に引（ひ）き続（つづ）き、今回（こんかい）は日本（にほん）で最（もっと）も人気（にんき）のある東京（とうきょう）ディズニーランドの人気（にんき）アトラクションのランキングについて話（はな）しました。ディズニーランドは、長島（ながしま）スパーランドやUSJと比（くら）べるとジェットコースターより来（き）た人（ひと）が楽（たの）しめる雰囲気（ふんいき）を重視（じゅうし）したテーマパークで、人気（にんき）アトラクションも私（わたし）たちの想像（そうぞう）とは全（まった）く違（ちが）ったものがランクインしていました。みなさんはどのアトラクションが人気（にんき）だと思（おも）いますか？想像（そうぞう）しながら聞（き）いてみてください。…

1
From Andor to Endor 2:00:28

15d ago2:00:28

2:00:28

Our analysis of ANDOR season 2 continues with a collection of recent interview comments from Andor showrunner/writer Tony Gilroy who provides insider info about some of the important story beats thus far. We talk to the folks behind the Forest Moon Festival in California’s redwood forests where the Endor scenes for RETURN OF THE JEDI were shot to g…

1
What exactly is diplomatic immunity? Chapter Two: How To Get Away With Murder 1:04:05

15d ago1:04:05

1:04:05

OK, it's no secret that the law can apply differently to high-level diplomats and other government employees. But how far does this concept of immunity go? In the second chapter of this special two-part episode, Ben, Matt and Noel dive into intensely disturbing cases of crime, conspiracy, and geopolitical cover-ups. They don't want you to read our …

1
American science brain drain 9:31

16d ago9:31

9:31

President Trump's federal cuts and scrutiny of academic institutions are forcing some U.S. scientists to head for the border. On today's show, an entomologist keeping America's farms safe from pests reconsiders America. And a CEO of a Canadian hospital explains how they are benefiting from the exodus. Related episodes: How much international studen…

1
Can Tariffs Lead to Higher Margins for U.S. Sellers? 41:11

16d ago41:11

41:11

Could the current wave of tariffs actually help U.S. eCommerce sellers? In this episode, I’m joined by longtime ECF member Aaron Rubin, founder of ShipHero, to explore a counterintuitive take on how recent tariff changes might level the playing field for American brands. Aaron shares his insights on de minimis reform, market dynamics, and why he be…

1
Listener Mail: Australian Cinema, The Barksdale Bubble, El Salvador and Dictators 55:04

16d ago55:04

55:04

Cake writes in with recommendations for Australian cinema. Spooky Pants prompts a conversation about the infamous Barksdale Bubble. Starship Home (aka Sugar Homie, aka Supercool Homie) prompts a far-reaching exploration of dictatorships, El Salvador, the US's responsibility for the booming illegal drug trade. All this and more in this week's listen…

1
How much international students matter to the economy 9:29

17d ago9:29

9:29

Many international students are rethinking their education in the United States as the federal government revokes visas, often over minor infractions. A shift away could carry a heavy economic toll, as international students contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy last school year. So what happens when a generation of bright-eyed scholars decid…

1
ANDOR After Show: Season 2 Episodes 4-6 2:56:25

17d ago2:56:25

2:56:25

Join us for a lively discussion full of deep dives, hot takes and fresh reactions as we look at the second arc of ANDOR Season 2: "Ever Been to Ghorman?," "I Have Friends Everywhere," and "What a Festive Evening."By Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast

1
What exactly is diplomatic immunity? Chapter One: "A Gentleman's Agreement" 58:00

17d ago58:00

58:00

In modern English, we often say "don't shoot the messenger." As Ben, Matt and Noel discover in the first chapter of this week's special two-part series, diplomatic immunity is an ancient concept with real-world consequences in the modern day. So, is it true that various world powers have agreed to let some people exist beyond the rule of law? Tune …

1
How stable is Stablecoin? 9:28

18d ago9:28

9:28

Stablecoins are the latest digital asset to grab headlines. Congress is considering legislation around the cryptocurrency, and a Trump family-affiliated company is preparing to launch its own Stablecoin. But does this digital currency live up to its own name? Related episodes: What's this about a crypto reserve? (Apple / Spotify) Is 'government cry…

1
CLASSIC: Interview: Radio Rental, with Payne Lindsey 49:16

18d ago49:16

49:16

Have you ever experienced something bizarre -- some unexplainable coincidence, chilling interaction or even a run in with what some might call the supernatural? If so, then you may have the next story for Radio Rental. In this episode, the guys interview Payne Lindsey, creator of Up and Vanished, Atlanta Monster and more, about the inspiration behi…

1
Is the US pushing countries towards China? 8:53

19d ago8:53

8:53

As the U.S. goes head-to-head with the rest of the world on tariffs, those countries are trying to figure out their best diplomatic strategy. One dilemma countries have is how close they get with another global superpower: China. On today's show, we hear from Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb about how the country is balancing trade re…

1
Strange News: One Card To Rule Them All, Pop Culture and Space, Horrors of Kenyan Death Cults, and More 1:04:30

19d ago1:04:30

1:04:30

History's largest credit card merger looms on the horizon. Commentary on not-quite-space and a celebrity named Katy Perry. Ben takes the crew around the globe to learn more about wildlife piracy, the horrors of Kenyan cults, and the fascinating web of fentanyl, casinos, China and Mexican drug cartels. All this this and more in this week's strange n…

1
When do boycotts work? 9:14

20d ago9:14

9:14

For weeks, Target has been the subject of a boycott after its decision to pull back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. And early data shows it's taken a toll on the company. But in other instances, boycotts haven't made much of a splash. Today on the show, when does a boycott actually make a difference? Related episodes: SPAM strik…

1
181. 先生の職業病、大学生活、そして大阪万博の話、いろんな話題で盛り上がった回。From Teacher Habits to Uni Life and the Osaka Expo — A Chat Full of Stories! 29:28

21d ago29:28

29:28

今回は　先生（せんせい）を　している　友達（ともだち）の「職業病（しょくぎょうびょう）」に　始（はじ）まり、大学生活（だいがくせいかつ）の　話（はなし）、それから　大阪（おおさか）で　始（はじ）まった　万博（ばんぱく）の　話（はなし）を　しました。大阪万博（おおさかばんぱく）の　話（はなし）を　メインに　したかったのですが、その他（そのた）の　話（はなし）で　盛（も）り上（あ）がって　しまい、万博（ばんぱく）の　話（はなし）は　あまり　できていません。まだ　始（はじ）まった　ばかりで　情報（じょうほう）も　少（すく）ないので、分（わ）かり次第（しだい）　随時（ずいじ）アップデート　していきたいと　思（おも）います。 This time, we started with a story a…

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