The Crossroads Podcast

Greetings, Crossroadies! Yannis, Sam, and Yuki are back with an episode of the romance variety. Our trio dig through their past relationships and talk about what they learned from that now fuels their current romantic endeavours' success. A few bombs and surprises are dropped so pay close attention. What did you learn from  your past relationships? Did you have any big epiphanies that are now driving you to form stronger bonds? Let us know via e-mail at txrpodcast@gmail.com, tweet @TXRPodcast and join the community at Facebook.com/txrpodcast.

Greetings, Crossroadies! The TXR crew is back from hiatus all refreshed and ready to kick off a new season of learning and improvement. We have been listening to your feedback and are making a conscious effort, henceforth, to keep things shorter. On today's episode our full team of hosts is on board to talk about assertiveness. Andrew and Yannis seek out the help of Yuki and Sam with their struggles with being assertive. We are also announcing the book that will be discussed on this month's book club. For more info, head to the show notes below.OpeningWelcome back!Very short (15 sec) what we’ve been up toYuki: Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, JapanSam: monthlong Japan Trip for wedding, old friends, hitchhiking experimentYannis:Yannis: Quick announcement about new time formatWeekly share: Yannis: TED Talk - Guy Winch, the case for emotional hygieneAssertiveness segueSam dealing with Chinese subways againTheme: ASSERTIVENESS!What is it?Sam: Definition: “confident and direct in claiming one's rights or putting forward one's views; given to making assertions or bold demands; dogmatic or aggressive.”Sam’s definition: “Having boundaries”Yannis: a middle point between passive and aggressive communicationYuki: Standing your ground and being firmAndrew: Making the first moveYannis: Contrast with aggressionSubmissive -- Assertive -- Aggressive spectrumWhy would you want it?Sam: Assertiveness helps you get what you want, and avoid what you don’t.Specifically, it helps you take responsibility for things that are within your control.You can’t “assertive” away a hurricane, but you can show others you aren’t willing to be pushed around, and hold your position.Yuki: Agree with Sam. Also establishes and demands respect, especially as a woman.Are you assertive? How did you get there, or why aren’t you there yet?Yannis: Working on it after realising personal frustrations when communicating with othersYuki:Yes, influenced by my mom. I used to be passive and was tired of not standing up for myself (bullying story?)Andrew: Sam: Yes. Always had inconsistent, innate confidence. Realized in Japan that nobody really cares about me, and I was free to do as I like. The world isn’t going to save me, but it’s also not trying to beat me down, so there’s no risk in standing up for myself.Assertiveness clinic!Yannis’ problem: With family, often times I feel that saying “no” or just simply disagreeing on certain views is harder than with othersYuki’s response:Sam’s response: It can be very hard to say no to people you care about. Additionally, what might be a normal “disagreement” has emotional history and charge with family. It’s important to hold your line or make your points in a way that places the focus on “you,” as opposed to “not them.” You’re not disagreeing with them; you’re agreeing with yourself.Weekly ChallengeNext time you’re in a discussion where you disagree with someone, respectfully but firmly hold your position.Weekly Call to Action (Challenge/Recommendation)Book club! Start reading The Art of Thinking Clearly, by Rolf DobelliEndingWhat’s your view on assertiveness? Are you assertive? Do you struggle with it? Let us know via e-mail, twitter, facebook, smoke signals….“Thanks for listening, and see you at the next crossroads.”Where to find usTXR Podcaste-mail us at txrpodcast@gmail.comtweet @TXRPodcastjoin the community at facebook.com/txrpodcastYukitweet @YukiPhnxinstagram @YukiPhnxAndrewBear Honey ComicSamPromises to get twitter soon(TM)Yannistweet @YannisVatisGoogle+ Yannis Vatis

Heya, Crossroadies! On this episode we discuss the book Less by executive coach, entrepreneur and Zen priest, Marc Lesser. Sam and Yannis dive into their thoughts on the concepts discussed in the book. If you have been looking for a way to become more productive by slowing down, this book just might be for you. We would like to remind you that the show will be on hiatus throughout February. Our next episode will be released March 8th.Leave us a comment at txrpodcast.com or e-mail at txrpodcast@gmail.com and tweet @TXRPodcast. Follow our community at Facebook.com/txrpodcast.

Ladies and Gentlemen, unfortunately we were unable to make an episode for this week. We will, however, be doing a bookclub episode next week. We would like to remind you all that on February the show will be going on hiatus for the month. We will be returning with a better show complete with a fully refreshed trio of hosts on March 8th.Take care and see you at the next crossroads!

Greetings, Crossroadies! The TXR trio is back with another segment of our Life Lessons series. Yannis and Sam are joined by Yuki who's phoning in all the way from Melbourne to talk about 4 lessons they gained from their personal musical journeys. Music is a great hobby that is easy to get into  and there's a lot that can be learned by getting into it.Visit us at txrpodcast.com and leave us a comment. You can also drop up an e-mail at txrpodcast@gmail.com or tweet @TXRPodcast.

Greetings, Crossroadies! First book club of 2015 and it's a good one! We are talking about "The Art of Asking" by Amanda Palmer, the Queen of the Internet herself. An amazing emotional roller coaster of a read which words cannot possibly do it any justice. Yannis, Sam, and Yuki have read it and talk about the points that left them impressed.You can find us at txrpodcast.com and leave us a comment. Get in touch via e-mail at txrpodcast@gmail.com or by tweeting @TXRPodcast.

Happy New Year, Crossroadies! With Yuki out on her travel adventures, Yannis and Sam are kicking it old school style talking about the New Year and how they plan to changes things up in their own lives - Spoiler alert! Not much. Lot's of talk on why we make resolutions during this time and how to be more successful at sticking to them. No fancy cuts and edits on this one. Just some good old fashioned chatting.Find the rest of our episodes on txrpodcast.com. Talk to us via e-mail at txrpodcast@gmail.com or tweet @TXRPodcast. While you are at it, join our growing family of Crossroadies on Facebook.com/txrpodcastMay 2015 be filled with lots of big decisions and fun times!

Merry Christmas, Crossroadies! Or Happy Holidays if that works for you. On this jolly week, our trio of hosts celebrates by discussing a very merry topic: consumerism. We discuss about how consumerism affects our lives, what can we do to tackle it and try to take down a few common objections people have. Check out the show notes after the break.IntroductionWhat's new?Yannis introduces an article on the Art of Manliness titled 9 Reasons Analogue Games are AwesomeTopic: The Terrible "C" WordCrossroads is (sometimes) a show about life choices and strategic decision-making.Living organisms can be defined by consumption, excretion, and replication.Consumption is a gigantic part of our lives, yet so ubiquitous we often give it very little thought, or compartmentalize it, instead of seeing it all as “consumption”.What do you consume to satisfy your needs and wants? What do you give for it?Physical (food, shelter, travel) and abstract (entertainment, education) consumption.“You are what you eat.”A broader form is, “You are what you consume”. The broadest: “You are the sum of your actions.”What and whether you consume affects a great deal of your life and character.The “nutritional value” of your consumption plays a huge role in how you feel.High vs. low nutrition…Food?Information?Consumption and ProductionWe consume to meet our needs, but sometimes forget that we can also produce.In some areas (clothing), production is often not practical. In other areas (entertainment, health, food) it’s extremely practical and rewarding, but requires different resources (time, effort, skill) than consumption (money).Consumption isn’t inherently harmful, but “Consumerism”--the idea that consumption is the only way to fulfill your needs--is.Smart ConsumptionThe two questions: Whether and What?Ask whether you need to consume something for fulfilment.Can you reach your goal with production instead?If not, do you need to consume that particular thing for your goal?One level up: is your goal even necessary?If you’ve decided you need to, What is the best thing to consume for your goal?Don’t over or under-engineer. Solve your problem with exactly as many resources as it requires.Why should you care?It’s your life, and you consume time at a constant basis.Mindless, ubiquitous consumption is a poor long-term strategy. It requires you to wastefully pump in more and more resources to accomplish goals that you might not even need.Intelligent consumption lessens your waste, and Production is a long-term strategy that actually increases your knowledge and output.Cars run on money and make you fat, bicycles run on fat and make you money.There is an abundance of resources out there that people commonly do not acknowledgeWe have been geared to acknowledge the economic relationship between time and moneyThere are others, such as willpower, patience, enthusiasm, and tenacityGiving in too much to your wants can be draining to your patience and enthusiasmSales can have a negative effect on thisI bought xyz on sale because I wanted it anyway but I'm still not done with abc so now I feel badWillpower can also dwindle in the long-run because it has not been exercisedCommon ObjectionsI need to consume the way I do in order to live the way I do.Do you need to live the way you do?Production is difficult and time-consuming.So is anything worthwhile, at first. As your skill increases, the time and difficulty decrease.There are way too many offers and deals out thereConsuming just because of offers does not yield better valueMy circles expect that I consume the way I do or else I will get no respectDo you like living under the acknowledgement of others?If I don't get into now I will be behindMostly a problem with tech upgrades and early adoptionHow are you so sure that the latest tech will stick?e.g. Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD, VR stuffVideo game console purchases have this problem too because there are no guarantees that the game library of one will be as rich as the otherWhere to find

Greetings, Crossroadies! On this week's episode your favourite self-improvement trio gives you 6 tips to make your travels more comfortable and efficient to maximise the potential for fun and reduce the frustration. If you are planning on travelling during the holidays, this episode is perfect to help iron out the finer details.6 Tips for TravellingPlan ahead!Create a packing list at least two weeks in advance (if you have that much time to plan)Starting a list early gives you time to rethink your list and add to itMy favourite list is KnockKnock’s Bon Voyage packing list  Research your destination and write down a list of what you’re intoNarrow it down to what you have time forCreate a rough itinerary of what you can do each day (some places have shorter hours on weekends or are closed on Mondays)Trip Advisor has great reviews but tends to cater to middle-class familiesPack smart!Smart packing = what you take, and how you carry it.Packing CubesBest way to organize your bag: compartmentalize!My fave is Muji because light and affordable Also, hanging toiletry bag Travel sized itemsdetermine your basic items and then buy travel size bottles for liquidsFavourite is also Muji: smaller sizes and oh the variety!Alternative: liquids as solid such as shampoo bars and toothpaste tabletsAmazon has great options, my fave is LUSHCapsule wardrobe A few items that can create dozens of outfits Plan to do laundry on a weeklong tripAllows you to travel with just carry-on: no lost luggage!Favourite websites are onebag.com, ladylighttravel.com, and travelfashiongirl.com Luggage scale Cost saving tool every traveller should haveAirlines are strict about weightAny non-brand will doBe flexible!Be open for anythingAn itinerary will give structure to your trip, but don’t be afraid to abandon it for some spontaneous experiences!A good itinerary is a structure that supports improvisation. Improvising is harder without a structure, and hard with too rigid of a structure.Flight tip 1: Electronics bagPut all electronics that you want to use during the flight (gaming device, MP3 player, tablet, etc.) in a pouch or bag that you can then just whip out right before you put your carry on in the overheadRepack items after you are done using them so that you don't forget anything during disembarkationSaves time and keeps you stress freeFlight tip 2: Do online check in!It's astounding how few people are in the baggage drop off line because most people don't do or know about online check inYou can pick your seats and meals right on the airliner's websiteFlight tip 3: Smooth securitySecurity checks are slow and a painForego the belt, watch, small change, and jewellry to save yourself and others time and hassleAnything electronic or metal that doesn't need to be on your person or carry on can be easily stored and padded in your luggageAlso make sure your laptop and tablet are accessible because security in most airports will want you to take them outWear slip-on shoesComfortable clothes like sweatpants are also great for improving the flight experienceOur favourite websites for booking transportation or accommodationOrbitz.com, Ctrip for China, Airbnb (referral code: yng85)Our favourite travel-related apps (or the app we find most helpful when we travel)Trip It, XE, rGuide metro maps, Tap and Say Weekly ChallengeThink about a trip you had recently. What was good or bad about it? Think of a couple things you did well that you should remember for the next trip, and a couple things you should improve upon for your next trip.Where to find usTXR Podcaste-mail us at txrpodcast@gmail.comtweet @TXRPodcastjoin the community at facebook.com/txrpodcastYukitweet @YukiPhnxinstagram @YukiPhnxSamNOT in his kitchen...Yannistweet @YannisVatisGoogle+ Yannis Vatis

Dearest, Crossroadies! The TXR crew returns with another instalment of our Life Lessons series. This week we talk about things we learned from Japanese animated features, widely known as anime. Yuki, Sam, and Yannis discuss some of the titles that stood out and the little bits of wisdom they picked up from them. Our hosts also announce the next book that will be reviewed for book club. It's The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer. Show notes after the break.IntroductionWhat's new?Sam introduces us to Toggl, a time keeping web app.Yannis talks about The Gruffalo, a short children's CGI film based on the book of the same nameYuki tells us about her future travel plansWhat is anime?4 Things we Learned from AnimeTalent is merely a head startFrom: History's Strongest Disciple KenichiIs talent really a magical trait one is born with?Hard work will always overcome talentBetter described as aptitudeIt is not what makes as great things in the long runThe lesson: have a goal that you work towards and keep at it consistently without caring how long it takes to completeThere is a solution to almost every problemFrom: Eyeshield 21Is there such a thing as an unsolvable problem?It's all a matter of perspectiveFraming the problem is more important than the solutionThe lesson: figure out what the problem is about before attempting to solve itLife doesn't always follow the script, so be true to yourselfFrom: Ichigo 100%Doesn't follow a traditional hollywood endingCharacters learn to focus on their dreams and grow through themThe lesson: your life will follow the path you walk, not the path you imagineA strong resolve will help you overcome all obstaclesFrom: Gurren LagannGL easily deserves it's own life lessons episodeDespair and suffering = wishing things were differentHope and inspiration = accepting what we are and choosing our actionsThe lesson: understand what really matters to you and push forward towards thatPeople are not always who they seem From: Ouran High School Host Club, Lovely Complex, Dragonball (and many others) 1.Don’t judge people on what they look like on the outside 2.You may miss out on opportunities if you just go about the world with what you think you know. 3.In Ouran, Haruhi assumed Tamaki was just an idiot but he’s actually a very caring and intelligent person. 4.In Lovely Complex, Ootani had a hard time seeing Risa for anything but her height. 5.In Dragonball, little Goku is constantly being overestimated by other bigger opponents.Shout out titles by YukiFinal thoughtsWeekly challengeWhere to find usTXR Podcaste-mail us at txrpodcast@gmail.comtweet @TXRPodcastjoin the community at facebook.com/txrpodcastYukitweet @YukiPhnxinstagram @YukiPhnxSamOn a mountain somewhere...Yannistweet @YannisVatisGoogle+ Yannis Vatis

Dearly beloved Crossroadies! TXR Podcast is back with another exciting book club. Yannis is joined by Yuki and Sam to talk about Gunn's Golden Rules by Project Runway's favourite mentor, Tim Gunn. After the break you can check out our notes to read along while listening to our thoughts on this light read filled with stories from Tim's own life and experiences.IntroductionWho is Tim Gunn?What is the book about?Favourite ChaptersMake it WorkTim's catch phraseMake the best out of a bad situationRunning away only makes problems worseThe World Owes you...NothingThe world does not revolve around us as individualsPeople who are used to having everything done for them are detached from realityIt's better to discover how the world works at an early age than to finally enter it as an adult who acts like they are owed everythingMen who think they are owed a "hot girl"Get Inspired if it Kills youYou can find inspiration from everythingWhen stuck in a rut, just take a look around youNiceties are NiceBeing nice to people doesn’t mean being steppped onNot enough people are just “nice” nowadaysDon’t make excuses for people when they’re being extremely rude, such as “they’re just stressed". It is in these times when they should treat the people around them well so we can help themTalk to MeUnderstand that what you know if not all there is to know. There is always more to understand in any given situation.We are huge advocates for this, as we always like to hear the other story before making a judgementKnow what to Get Off your Chest and what to Take to the GraveWe love what he said about cheating couples. Confessing is only cathartic to the perpetrator and not the victimHonesty is a good policy but you should always keep in mind whether the truth will do more When you need help, Get itIt’s not easy to admit you need helpWhen we take on tasks, we think we have to do this on our own You may be surprised by the people around you that want to helpGive Back (but know your limits)When you can give back, it’s always goodNeed to know when to say noLimits can be liberatingWeird ChaptersUse Technology; Don't Let it Use youSomething about how emails should only be used for happy things?He only talks about technology a bit in the beginning of the chapterMakes a solid point about how people are generally stuck to their devicesNever Underestimate KarmaHe never really expanded on why that is. I got lost during the chapter and forgot what it was aboutIt feels a bit like an expansion on just generally being nice to others. Could have been part of the “Niceties” chapterWhen in RomeAs expats in China, we can’t agree with what he says here Being an expat is different from just visitingSpecial MentionsTake the High RoadComfort is OverratedUnderlying MessageFinal Thoughts on the BookWhere to find usTXR Podcaste-mail us at txrpodcast@gmail.comtweet @TXRPodcastjoin the community at facebook.com/txrpodcastYukitweet @YukiPhnxinstagram @YukiPhnxSamOn a mountain somewhere...Yannistweet @YannisVatisGoogle+ Yannis Vatis

Greetings, Crossroadies! This week it's Andrew and Yannis talking about the dreaded writers block. Our hosts talk about what causes writers block, their own experiences with it, and their suggested remedies for getting unstuck when you are strapped for ideas.Check out the amazing TED Talk by Amanda Palmer, The Art of Asking, which was recommended in this episode.Where to find us:TXR Podcast:e-mail at txrpodcast@gmail.comtweet @TXRPodcastlike us on Facebook.com/txrpodcastAndrew:Bear and Honey comic at bear-honey.smackjeeves.comYannistweet @YannisVatisGoogle+ Yannis Vatis

Well met, Crossroadies! On this week's episode Yannis, Sam, and Yuki discuss the 10 most important commandments in a do-ist's gospel. If you ever wanted to be the kind of person who takes action or simply want more guidance on how to further refine your doing, then here ye shall find salvation.The Do-ist's 10 CommandmentsI will stop thinking and start doingWhen you think too much you end up procrastinatingIf there is no start then nothing will ever happenA DOist always takes actionI will always start simpleGetting caught up in fine points without knowledge of the core can slow your beginningsHelps determine whether or not what you are venturing into is for youA DOist always starts simpleI will always look for the lesson (a.k.a. read between the lines)Naysayers are always abound but they could have something valuable to offer in all the hate speechGet everything you can out of every interaction and disregard the words (sticks and stones, and all that stuff)A DOist always looks for what he/she can get out of all feedbackI will always be learningA DOist is also a learnist, thirsty for more knowledge on what he/she pursuitsWhether you are a novice or an expert on the subject, learning is part of lifeA DOist always embraces learning as part of their journeyI will always share what I am doing with othersFear not that others might copy what you are doing (sincerest form of flattery, no?)Keeping your activities as a secret means the word doesn't go outA DOist wants more partners in crimeI will always embrace failureFailure is life's greatest teacherImmediate success teaches very littleA DOist always expects failure and learns from itI will always get right back upPersevere no matter how bad things might getAccepting defeat as part of life will forge you into a better personA DOist embraces defeat and uses it to his/her advantageI will always think aheadAlthough starting immediately is important, light planning and contingency preparation ensure better startsDetermine when a risk can be taken and when it's time to back offA DOist always wants to be aware of what is and what is not possibleI will lean towards my idealsDon't stand firm on your ideas and ideals because others may have better thoughtsConsider all possibilities and accept that you do not know everythingA DOist always listens for better adviceI will know when to quitSometimes what we venture to do ends up not being for us...or things just come full circleQuitting is not a sign of weakness nor defeatA DOist always knows when it's time to move onWhere to find usTXR Podcaste-mail us at txrpodcast@gmail.comtweet @TXRPodcastjoin the community at facebook.com/txrpodcastYukitweet @YukiPhnxinstagram @YukiPhnxSamOn a mountain somewhere...Yannistweet @YannisVatisGoogle+ Yannis Vatis

Well met, Crossroadies! Another week, another exciting bad pun infested discussion about self-improvement with your favourite trio. This week Yuki, Sam and Yannis talk about shaking things up in our lives with disruptions that influence our lives in a positive way. Be sure to catch the short debate towards the end of the episode about the merits and downsides of constant disruption.Visit our website at txrpodcast.com and leave us comment on this episode's page. You can also email us at thecrossroadspodcast@gmail.com and tweet @TXRPodcast

Greetings, Crossroadies! It's time for Sam and the Peanut Gallery as we go through Early Retirement Extreme, a book about taking control of your life and finances by shifting from the normal social paradigm. Sam gives both Yuki and Yannis a lot of insight on the book and what it's all about. We don't dive too deep though because, you know, spoilers!Reach out to us via e-mail at thecrossroadspodcast@gmail.com and tweet @TXRPodcast