Foreign Affairs Podcast

47. Realities of teaching in China Oct 12, 2026 01:17:28 This week we're talking about what it's really like to teach in China. We have a listener-submitted story about having to play Law & Order detective to defend yourself at work, and host Lauren gives you the lowdown on what it's been like teaching in China for the past 11 years. The good, the bad, and the ugly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

46. Living Through 9/11 and a Serial Killer Sep 28, 2026 01:29:09 This week, brother of the podcast joins Lauren to talk about what it was like growing up in Silver Spring Maryland, as kids during September 11th and the DC Sniper killing spree. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

45. the Expat Friendship Cycle Sep 14, 2026 01:25:52 This week, host Lauren is discussing the reality of friendships while living abroad and going through her own graveyard of friendships after 11 years in China. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

44. What Is Going On With Expats in Bali? Aug 31, 2026 01:07:12 We're discussing the story of the expats who got deported from Bali.BBC articlethe Guardian article ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffa

43. Realities of Moving Abroad Aug 20, 2026 00:51:56 This was Patreon exclusive that I'm sharing here on the main feed (I had tech issues with the episode I had planned for this week) After 10 years in China, I'm sharing the honest, messy, and nuanced realities of life abroad that don't fit into a 60-second video.If you liked this episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

42. Travel AITAH Aug 6, 2026 01:03:09 This week, host Lauren is reading some good ol' Am I the Asshole" stories centered around traveling.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

41. My Uncle's Footsteps Through Ireland Jul 21, 2026 01:15:02 Today I'm joined by my mom, who introduces her Uncle Phil, who first traveled to Ireland in 1971 to film a documentary about the places that our family then visited 50 years later.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

40. My family trip to Ireland Jul 7, 2026 01:20:52 I finally took a family trip to Ireland—and it ended up being amazing!In this episode, I'm sharing the highs, the mishaps, the pubs, the scones, the tiny country roads, and the unexpected things about Ireland. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

39. No Privacy in China: Squat Toilets Jun 22, 2026 01:45:39 Alex joins host Lauren to chat surprising differences in privacy, personal space, and public life in China—from toilets and hospitals to banks and everyday interactions. Follow Alex on her:Instagram, Youtube, RednoteShare your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

38. Apartment Fraud & Concerts in China w/ Shagi Jun 8, 2026 01:33:19 This week we have Shagi back on the podcast talking apartment fraud within a thruple and what was it like when Kanye, Beyonce and Linkin Park were touring through China.⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

37. The Chinese Version of Literally Everything w/ Aleese May 25, 2026 01:24:08 Host Lauren is joined by guest Aleese Lightyear for a fun conversation comparing the Chinese versions of familiar Western experiences. Together, they unpack the funny and surprisingly universal similarities between life in China and the West after their years of living abroad.Follow @Aleeselightyear⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code LAURENSFOODIE5 to book with ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lost Plate Food Tours⁠⁠Share your

36. I joined a fake sorority in college May 11, 2026 01:10:33 This week host Lauren talks about when she joined a “social club” at her religious university… which was basically a sorority pretending not to be a sorority.⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code LAURENSFOODIE5 to book with ⁠⁠⁠Lost Plate Food Tours⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

35. Expat AITAH Apr 27, 2026 01:15:10 This week, host Lauren is reading AITAH reddit posts all about expat life and traveling abroad. The good, bad, and the ugly. ⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code LAURENSFOODIE5 to book with ⁠⁠Lost Plate Food ToursShare your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

34. Hard Truths About Living Abroad Apr 13, 2026 01:23:36 This week, host Lauren discusses the not so pretty sides of living abroad as an expatoriginal reddit post⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code LAURENSFOODIE5 to book with ⁠Lost Plate Food Tours⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fo

33. Underage and Unsupervised: Senior Beach Week Mar 30, 2026 01:06:17 This week, Lauren takes you back to one of the most chaotic, unsupervised, and slightly questionable rites of passage: senior beach week. Fresh out of high school, Lauren shares what really went down during that week-long “spring break” for teenagers. And later, she reads reddit posts from fresh 18 y/o with their own beach week problems.⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code LAURENSFOODIE5 to book with Lo

32. Terrible Coworkers & Prom Mar 16, 2026 01:36:09 This week, we are joined again by Sean who shares a terrible coworker story and Lauren recalls her strange encounter during her high school senior prom. Later they both discuss an AITA about when you need to kick out one of your bridesmaids before the wedding. ⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

31. Losers Back Home: Love is Blind Mar 2, 2026 01:08:31 Lauren is talking her favorite topic: losers back home (LBH). She categorizes LBH in the context of China, all related to Love is Blind Season 10.Become a PatronShare your stories!⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

I Started a Patreon! Mar 2, 2026 00:04:55 Right now you can access the FREE library of podcast episode and newsletters. Check out the Patreon here.

30. Magic Mike in China Feb 18, 2026 01:04:42 This week, host Lauren shares the bizarre but entertaining variety shows and talent galas that all all over China.⁠Become a Patron⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

29. The Worst Jobs in China Feb 3, 2026 01:25:01 Ways to Counter 🧊This week, host Lauren shares the WORST jobs she's had while working in China for the past 10 years. ⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

28. My Travel Horror Story Jan 19, 2026 00:55:01 This week, host Lauren shares the embaressing stories from when she traveled SE Asia in her early days living in China. Later she discusses an 3 AITA stories about the drama that surrounds traveling while being in relationships.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

27. My Terrible Job History Jan 12, 2026 01:10:20 This week, host Lauren shares the terrible jobs she had prior to becoming a teacher in China. Later she discusses an AITA about when you wanna quit your jobs but you mother in law is your boss.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

26. Wild Concert Encounters Dec 30, 2025 00:57:44 This week, we are joined by fellow podcaster Justine who shares her CRAZY WILD backstage story from her partying days and Lauren recalls her encounter from a concert freshman year of college. Later they both discuss an AITA about when you girl ditched you to go backstage with a musician that's just a "friend".listen to the Shorestore Podcast (available everyewhere)follow Justine⁠⁠Bec

25. Strange Teacher Stories w/ Aleese Lightyear Dec 15, 2025 01:24:57 This week , Miss Aleese Lightyear is back on the podcast to FINALLY give an update on the infamous mute fiancé. And both Aleese and Lauren share some of their strangest coworker and student stories they've had as teachers. Later they both discus an AITA about when a teacher cancels the movie day.Aleese's Youtubeher instagramher Rednote 小红书⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

24. Scammed in Thailand & Trapped in Korea w/ Matt Dec 2, 2025 01:06:58 This week, we are joined by Matt a fellow expat in China. He shares his nightmare stories about teaching abroad. Later, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when your wife falls for a romantic online scam and you blast all your business online.Follow Matt's YouTube ⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

23. China Apartment Horror Stories w/John Nov 17, 2025 01:24:16 This week, we are joined by John a former Chinese expat. He and Lauren share their Chinese apartment horror stories. Later, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when your roommate's boyfriend starts spending a little too much time at the apartment, where he doesn't pay rent. Follow John 's YouTube Channel⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

22. We Almost Joined a Cult w/ Adam Nov 3, 2025 01:18:07 This week, we have our first repeat guest, Adam, to talk about his close encounter with a Korean religious cult. Then host Lauren talks about her close call with the NXVM cult. And later, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when mind control causes you to cheat on your boyfriend.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagra

21. Thailand Full Moon Parties w/ Chris Oct 22, 2025 01:23:23 This week, the brother of the podcast Chris is on to share his full moon party experience in Thailand that truly could only happen to someone in their early 20s . Host Lauren shares her own Thailand stories from her 20-something years. And later, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when you get stuck solo traveling when your friend ditches you for her new boyfriend.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share

20. Twenty somethings traveling in India & China w/ Julia Oct 6, 2025 01:23:51 This week, the sister-in-law of the podcast Julia is on to share how she had the trip of a lifetime in Mumbai with her childhood bestie. Host Lauren shares how she had the worst culture shock of her life during her first solo travel. And later, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when you get the short end of the stick on a family holiday⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send

19. China Day 1 w/ Matt Sep 22, 2025 01:31:38 This week, we're joined by new friend of the pod Matt to share his chaotic and stressful first day living in China back in 2009. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about how maybe you shouldn't move to a new country with your boyfriend. Follow Matt!YoutubeInstagramRednoteFree Breakfast PodcastTiktok⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

18. My Dad met RFK Sep 10, 2025 01:04:15 This week, Dad of the podcast is on to share how he met RFK just years before he was assassinated. And later, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when you are quiet-quitting your job that you hate.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

17. My Mom Was a Hippy... kinda Aug 26, 2025 01:07:55 This week, Mom of the podcast is on to share her adventure in Colorado when she was 18. Including: hippies, Ted-Bundy-close-calls, and hitchhiking. And later, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when the group trip doesn't necessarily always make it out of the group chat ⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

16. Reverse Culture Shock & UK Observations Aug 11, 2025 01:02:33 This week, host Lauren discusses how she experiences reverse culture shock when coming back home to the US from China. And later, she shares some of her UK observations from her recent trip there. ⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

15. AMA & Reading my DMs Jul 29, 2025 00:45:55 This week, host Lauren answers some of your "ask me anything" questions, and later she reads some of the most bizarre DMs from her Instagram @laurensfoodielife ⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

14. China Teaching Stories Jul 14, 2025 00:42:32 This week, host Lauren shares some of her crazy China teaching stories. Later, an anonymous listener letter about a tricky Chinese coworker dating situation.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

13. Sugar Daddies and Coworker Creeps w/ Seynique Smythe Jun 30, 2025 01:19:24 This week, we're joined by oldest friend of the pod, Seynique Smythe, to share her French encounter with sugar daddies while studying abroad. Later, host Lauren reads a juicy anonymous listener letter about the CREEPIEST coworker story to date. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when working with your best friend goes wrong.follow Seynique herelisten to our other podcast:Ever

12. Cockney Coworker Chaos w/ Casey Jun 17, 2025 01:08:34 This week, we're joined by Casey to share her coworker nightmare story with ALL the drama surrounding a school musical. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about a smelly coworker.follow Casey @pineappleworldtour⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

11: Life at a Kung Fu Academy w/ Nathan K. Williams Jun 2, 2025 01:35:14 This week, we're joined by Nathan to share his story of finding himself while studying at a kung fu academy in rural China. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about family drama surrounding bridesmaids' dresses.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠⁠Send a voice note⁠⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

10. I Almost Got Deported May 20, 2025 01:30:51 This week, we're joined by Martyn to share his story of how his dog ate his passport and which led to him almost getting deported! Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about family drama around babies being born. ⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠Send a voice note⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠

BONUS 1: Losers Back Home in China May 13, 2025 00:34:29 It's the 1st bonus episode! Lauren is talking her favorite topic: losers back home (LBH). She categorises LBH in the context of China, all related to White Lotus season 3. Later, the FIRST anonymous story about a vacation fling with a LBH...⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠Send a voice note⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

9. Unexpected Jobs in China w/ Marta May 5, 2025 01:24:53 This week, we're joined by Marta to share her story of doing livestreams in China and the reality of working for Chinese employers. And later, Lauren shares one of her own China job horror stories (there are several). Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about family drama about naming your kids. Follow Marta's IGBusiness IGPreloved Branded Website⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your st

8. Manifesting a Move Abroad & Taxicab Confessions W/ Sean Doherty Apr 22, 2025 01:19:29 This week we're joined by Sean Doherty to share his beautiful origin story of manifesting his move abroad years before it actually happened. And later Sean shares one of his own taxicab confessionals from his early years living in China. Finally, they both discuss two AITA Reddit posts about being the obnoxious drunk person at inappropriate times.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠Send a v

7. Y2K Near Death & Wild Night Out w/ Brandy Apr 7, 2025 01:02:46 This week we're joined by Brandy to share a near-death Y2K story that truly could only happen when you're 1 6 years old sneaking out with friends. And host Lauren shares a story about the time she had a wild night out on Christmas Day that almost took a turn for the worse. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about when dating inside the friend group goes wrong. ⁠⁠Become a Patron

6. Kidnapping and Scams w/ Shagi Mar 24, 2025 00:59:14 This week we're joined by Shagi to share a death-defying China college story and what went down when he realized he was looped into a crazy scam. And host Lauren shares a story about the time she got scammed after meeting a big man in Chinese history. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about traveling drama among friends. ⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠Send a voice note⁠DM

5. Fiancé Family Secrets & Hospital Job Horror Stories w/ Aleese Lightyear Mar 10, 2025 01:03:04 This week we're joined by Aleese Lightyear to share a story she originally heard from her Chinese coworker whose fiance has a really big secret that he doesn't want to talk about with anyone. And host Lauren shares some truly crazy stories from her time working at a hospital in Arkansas. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about a couple's fight over leftovers. ⁠⁠Become a Pa

4. Wild College Trip vs. Strict College Rules Feb 24, 2025 01:09:54 This week we're joined by one of Lauren's coworkers Adam to share a wild college story from his time in Model UN and what went down after the mock international conflict was resolved. And host Lauren shares a story about the strict rules of the private Christian university she attended and what she did and DIDN'T do. Finally, they both discuss an AITA Reddit post about college roomate

3. Apartment Trials and Tribulations w/ Alex Ogden Feb 11, 2025 00:58:00 This week we're joined by Alex Ogden from@veganinchina to share some apartment horror stories. Alex has a story of apartment hunting when she first moved to China and a roommate horror story while living in Spain. And host Lauren has a story of her past love triangle living situation.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠Send a voice note⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreigna

2. China Dating Horror Stories w/ Rachel Weiss Jan 27, 2025 00:39:57 This week we're joined by Rachel Weiss to share some China dating horror stories. Rachel has a story of her first date? right after moving to China. And host Lauren has a story of dating an up-and-coming international "business mogul". Last we have an anonymous story about a very scandalous first job abroad.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠Send a voice note⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instag

1. Chinese Job Scam and Weird Coworker Jan 14, 2025 00:36:43 Welcome to Foreign Affairs Podcast!This week host Lauren shares the story of her first job in China that turned out to possibly be a scam? And a story of strange encounters with one of her most memorable and top secret coworkers.⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠Share your stories!⁠Send a voice note⁠DM on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠foreignaffairpodcast@gmail.com⁠

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