Episode 30: Cal State Puvungna (Native America)

[clearing throat] One second.

EPISODE 30!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Okay, thanks for indulging us for a minute. Now, on with our regularly scheduled bloggramming...

We would say "How" to greet you, but guess what? That would be ignorant! In fact, almost anything you base off of the 1950's-1970's in American TV about Native Americans/First Nations is pretty much a guarantee not based on anything but weird ideas that were shoehorned into John Wayne movies. Even when we try to educate our kids about the history of North America, we can't help but piping all sorts of random misinformation about the way this world was before Leif Erickson and Cristobal Colons' minions stumbled onto the shores. The reality, obviously, was a lot different. But how does one dig into a good scene of where Native American culture has moved to in 2013, particularly in Southern California? Why, the Cal State Puvunuga Pow Wow, of course!

From CSULB.edu

The weekend of March 9-10, Native Americans and First Nations denizens from all over the place convened on the CSULB campus to catch up, eat, laugh, and put on one hell of a show for the forefathers whose spirits rest underneath their feet in Puvungna (the Tongva word for the land that Long Beach now sits on, and beyond). If you didn't know at least that fact, you seriously need to listen to this week's episode. Even if you did, then maybe you still do need to hear it. Interviews, insights, and music, LIVE from the Puvungna Pow Wow.


Special thanks to James, Cindy, Darren, and Jaleel for their time during a crazy big Pow Wow.


Produced by Tyler S. for Sonic Geography
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan

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Episode 28: The Geography of Hip-Hop (Ya Don't Stop)

We ain't no joke.

Don't you ever wonder why half of the hip-hop songs begin with some dude loudly bellowing out a place name? "Brooklyn!" "North Carolina! Put yo hands up!" Well, when we're talking about popular musical forms firmly rooted in place, there is no better place to go than the deep, storied, and cartoonishly commercialized world of hip-hop.

 

 It grew, pretty categorically, out of the Bronx in the late 60's and early 70's and took all of two decades to basically own the popular music landscape, so who's to say that place doesn't matter when you've got (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) MCs and one DJ (or two)? Many of us grew up fondly(?) remembering an era when they loudly bragged about shooting each other, depending on which coast they were from.

If any of you ever meet Ice Cube or Dr. Dre, $100 to whomever shows them this photo.

 
This week, our buddy Fernando joins us to talk about the ever-changing geographical face of hip-hop, the genre that constantly battles (verbally and metaphorically) over authenticity, representation, and in the case of Lil Jon, DRAAAAANK! WHAT! And you best believe we freestyle here, too. By "freestyle" I mean go off on tangents about hip-hop coming from all over the world, our own experiences getting into it over the years, and drawing the ideological parallels between hip-hop and punk music. This was a fun time.




Produced by Tyler S. for Sonic Geography
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Featured:
Mos Def - "Hip Hop"
Bliss n Eso - "Eye of the Storm"
Jurassic 5 - "Improvise"
Atmosphere - "Get Fly"
Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars - "Young, Wild, and Free"

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* I should comment that we somehow got through an entire hour without discussing Public Enemy, Common, or Wu-Tang Clan. For this, we wholeheartedly apologize and hope that this doesn't deter you from listening to our next episode on the Geography of the American Civil War. We won't leave out Josh Chamberlain! Dude was badass!

The Casual Geographer Ep. 25: SEATTLE

A few things about this weeks’ guest/Seattle expert, Tree, that we completely forgot to touch upon in this week’s episode.

• It’s not her real name, but it may as well be.
• She witnessed authorities remove the body of late Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley from a University District neighborhood in April of 2002. She didn’t know it was Staley’s remains until after the fact, but still…
• She lived in the building that serial killer Ted Bundy had once lived in.

Given those sordid factoids that we omitted, one may assume that this week’s episode wasn’t completely awesome. Do you know what happens when you assume, though? That’s because this week’s episode on Seattle and the Pacific Northwest was completely awesome. And given what we do learn in chatting with Tree about her native lands, those three facts imprint here even more into Seattle/Olympia/western sound lore as a permanent O.G. than we even thought possible. So, that’s why we were ecstatic to have her on board for this.

Twenty years after Seattle exploded onto the American consciousness as the city of flannel, coffee, and grunge, it is easy to forget that it had long been an all-American city of flannel, coffee, and intensely local hard rock and punk bands for years before that. In fact, many would argue that the 1990’s killed a lot of what made Seattle special. Yuppies poured in to work for Microsoft and Starbucks, driving up real estate in certain neighborhoods that had long been pockets of immigrant culture (e.g. Ballard, long known as a Scandinavian stronghold). Regardless, it remains a somewhat isolated jewel of American culture, buried up there in a pile of recycled coffee cups, next to all of those friendly people who don't really want your number. This will all make perfect sense after you have a listen. Download the episode on itunes or listen right here!




Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Alice in Chains - "Them Bones"
"The City It is a Changin'" (Bob Dylan parody) from Almost Live!
Woody Guthrie - "Pastures of Plenty"
Modest Mouse - "Bukowski"
The Postal Service - "This Place is a Prison"
Jimi Hendrix - "Castles Made of Sand"

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Presenting Episode 24: The Geography of Winter Sports!!

Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry it took us forever and a day (if "forever" was just short of a week) to get this one online, but it's a busy time for us and we imagine all of you, too. Anyway, on this episode, we deferred to our resident expert on Snowboarding, Skiing, and things that involve snow and certain human injury, Bret, for a lively chat about the encroaching late-Fall and Winter seasons, and what those of us who are planning to strap our feet into clamp-boots, attach them to planks, and accelerate down icy slopes should know and expect! 

Don't think this doesn't include you, no matter where you live. Granted, our focus from last week, Florida, isn't exactly a winter sports haven (unless the Lightning or Panthers weren't actually in a contract dispute), but even, say, our Moroccan friends have plenty of ski slopes in the Atlas Mountain range. Californians always have Lake Tahoe, Mammoth, and a handful of other places to perform those moves you practiced on 1080 Snowboarding for the N64 back in the day. The cool thing about Bret's experience is that, despite growing up in Southern California, he's been snowboarding for most of his life. Tyler grew up in New England, but prefers ice skating and hockey over anything involving slopes, mostly due to a bad injury he once sustained, and also because he's kind of a wuss.

Anyway, grab some hot cocoa, pull up a chair next to the fire, and hope you enjoy!

Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Labyrinth Ear - "Snow White"
Matt Pond PA - "Snow Day"
Frodus - "The Earth Isn't Humming"


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Presenting Episode 23: Florida!

Considering how, particularly in an election year, emotions become heated in light of this "red state/blue state" dichotomy that the media have resorted to ingraining in our collective psyche, it is no surprise that certain states catch an unfair amount of flak.

Take Florida: why do people hate it so much? Well, we don't know, but what we can do is give our 27th State a fair shake on the show. And why not? Not only is Florida the land that gave us plenty of good (Tom Petty, No Idea Records, Space Shuttles, Todd Barry, Oranges and more oranges), but the 2000 election fiasco was 12 whole years ago, and far be it from us to criticize a SOUTHERN STATE (people forget this about Florida) for being politically divided.

Hot Water Music

In fact, we could even venture to say that there are no other states (maybe even nowhere in the world) quite like Florida. You've got swamps, Gators, adorable towns, the world's most ubiquitous theme park and resort, tons of good colleges and the subsequent hipsters, some of the world's tightest sets of Jewish and Cuban populations. Also, raise your hand if YOUR state can boast the musical contributions of both Gloria Estefan and Chuck Ragan. Didn't think so.

Enjoy this episode, best taken in with a tall glass of orange juice (what you add to that OJ is up to you). If you're in the mood, subscribe to it on iTunes here!

Sunset in Mayo, FL

Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Miami Sound Machine - "Conga"
Little League (Tallahassee) - "Hope Go Round" & "Hot Knife"
Torche (Miami) - "UFO"
Rational Anthem (Sarasota) - "Blackout Magic"
Tom Petty (Gainesville) - "Deliver Me"
Merchandise (Tampa) - "I Locked the Door"
Hot Water Music (Gainesville) - "Moonpies for Misfits"
Radon (Gainesville) - "Wasting Time"


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Presenting Episode 20: Human Trafficking (with My Refuge House)

One of the greatest things about Geography is that many people in this community are working day in and day out to help us understand the world better and fight many of the injustices sweltering in what seems like every corner of the globe. As Tyler mentions at the top of this episode, we here at The Casual Geographer make light of a lot of things. Some issues, however, are so ingrained and tragic, that we need to step down off our goofy soapbox and onto a more serious one. One of those issues is Human Trafficking.

Cebu City, Epicenter of Human Trafficking

Like it or not, every country in the world is affected by sexual (and other types of) slavery, including our own. Some countries, like the Philippines, are so ridden with human trafficking that people around the globe are bonding together to ease the pain a little. Enter My Refuge House and our guest for this episode, Crystal Sprague.

Crystal, a veteran of international service work in the South Pacific, was appointed Executive Director of My Refuge House last year, in large part due to our good friend and My Refuge House volunteer (Diver) Dennis, who blesses us with his presence yet again at the beginning of this episode!

We learned a lot from Crystal about the ins and outs, the unfortunate cultural imprints, and ways in which groups like My Refuge House are fighting human trafficking halfway across the globe. As we mention toward the end of the episode, keep this organization in mind as the holiday charity-giving season approaches! And listen to this episode below, Listen right here, or download that 'cast on iTunes!



Join us this Thursday for a special spooooky Halloween episode about the Geography of DEATH. (ooooOOOooooo)

Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Moscow Olympics - "What Is Left Unsaid"
The Parasites - "Refuge"
The Siamese Twins - "Don't Forgive Lightly"
Mumford & Sons - "The Cave"

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Presenting TCG Episode 19: The Geography of SKA

RUDE BOY! So, you can tell a lot about a person's historical/musical acumen by what they think of Ska music. People who are…less informed… to put it nicely, dismiss it as a trend that captured the hearts and wallets of white kids across the continent in 1997. However, people who know what they’re talking about, like our beloved guest Jacob aka DJ Buttons, will tell you about its cross-cultural, historical, and of course geographical importance to the history of western culture. Yes, No Doubt and Reel Big Fish got famous for playing the style of music in the right place (Orange County) at the right time (mid to late 90’s), but we’re here today to talk about its root in time and place.

Jacob takes us on a journey back to the early 60’s in Kingston, as Jamaican Independence gives birth to the soundtrack to a burgeoning culture. We moved forward gracefully between the so-called Second and Third Waves, bringing you the hits (or should have been hits) by the likes of the Aquabats (more OC for you), The Planet Smashers (Montreal, QC), Straighter than Pete (Syracuse, NY) and Mustard Plug (Grand Rapids, MI). In retrospect, the Mustard Plug song we did play “Throw a Bomb” was much more punk with horns than Ska, but you can detect the Ska influence.  This, though, remains MP’s best song (I think) and one of the best singles to come out of that era:

Tyler also mentioned the Pietasters at one point, then ran out of time before being able to explain his affinity for the band. First of all, the Pietasters were really more of a neo-Northern Soul act with Ska roots, but considering how they were Washington, DC’s great hope in the late 90’s Ska boom, they are still known for that today. That’s a damn shame, though, because last time I checked, songs like “Rachel” owe much more to The Temptations than Desmond Dekker. But, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is that their occasional hometown shows are a ridiculous, heavily intoxicated blast. Don’t miss the chance to see them play a Halloween show if you’re ever in DC around that time. You just might wind up running around on stage singing along with their frenetic cover of The Business’ “Drinking and Driving.”

Anyway, we hope you find this episode quite educational, and we hope it makes you move a little bit. Enjoy. It’s already on iTunes. PICKITUP!


Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Desmond Dekker - "Israelites"
The Skatalites - "Latin Goes Ska"
The Specials - "Ghost Town"
The Specials - "Concrete Jungle"
Operation Ivy - "Bankshot!"
The Aquabats! - "Martian Girl"
The Planet Smashers - "Life of the Party"
Straighter Than Pete - "The Hurt"
Mustard Plug - Throw a Bomb

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Presenting Episode 18: CHICAGO

If there was one city in the USofA that we could wrap our loving arms around, it would be the Windy City herself, one of those places that simply exudes neighborhoodly charm, old fashioned fun, and the most adorable "only-the-strong-survive" ethos out there.

But don't take our word for it - we brought in an expert, David (who showed up along with his wife discussing beer and won us a whole new legion of drunk listeners), a longtime Chitown resident and permanent Chitown lover. As you'll hear, he gives us the lowdown on Chicago traditions, history, transportation, and Wesley Willis. Okay, that's mostly Tyler and Bret, but it's still important! ROCK AND ROLL MCDONALD'S!!

So, grab an Old Style and a slice of deep dish and kick back, we're gonna listen along with you and hope for the sake of all that is good that the Cubs don't endure another 100-loss season. If you care, subscribe and add this on itunes, and hope you enjoy it!


Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Tom Waits - Chicago
Screeching Weasel - Cool Kids
Wesley Willis - Rock n' Roll McDonald's
Cap'n Jazz - O Messy Life!
Smashing Pumpkins - Geek USA
and a bunch of background songs by the brilliant instrumental band Tortoise.

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Presenting Episode 17: "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!"

To all the haters who said we'd never be able to incorporate Steve Martin and John Candy into a cover graphic for a TCG episode, feast your eyes on this. We can't hear your hating anymore over the sounds of champagne bottles popping at headquarters. Seriously, this is a big deal.

You know what else is a big deal? Voting "YES" on anything to approve greater transit infrastructure. Why? Because if you live in a city of any kind, take a few minutes to read about how it has developed. It didn't happen on its own; it took buses, trains, airplanes, and all sorts of creative ways to shuffle those together into a dense urban fabric to make your beloved hometown the hometown that it is today.

What we're trying to say it, Bret and Tyler have got some opinions to share with you on the matter, and maybe may convince a few of you to give a different form of transit a shot than your usual. Because that's how you get to really know a city.

ALSO, we get a surprise appearance from our buddy Dennis (yes, the diving expert from Episode 2!), who gives us a quick preview of an episode we have coming up about My Refuge House, a locally based org that's doing some incredible work.

Enjoy! Below, or on iTunes.



Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Skankin' Pickle - "I Missed the Bus"
Pete Rock - "Take the D Train"
The Monkees - "Last Train to Clarksville"

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Episode 16: Viva Mexico (Central) is now posted!

Okay, explanation time. Lost somewhere in our genuine enthusiasm for finally doing an episode about Mexico (it took us 16 episodes to get here, so right there... pretty sad on our part) was the omnipresent reality that Mexico is a big enough country to inform an entire SEASON of podcasts like ours. Or an entire podcast series. Which would make sense, because there are several (like this, for example).

Fortunately, most of this episode concentrated on Mexico City and Cuernavaca, thanks to the experiences of our esteemed guests, Jessica and Michelle. Both of them have spent quality time down in Morelos State and el DF, respectively, and had plenty of great stories to share about it.

Hopefully, this episode becomes the first of several episodes on our neighbors al sur. We did touch a bunch of important bases, discussing cuisine, indigenous culture, and of course, the juggernaut influence of Mexico's political scene. Jess was there for the election of the oh-so-beloved President-to-be, so prepare for some fascinating stories of election gladhanding/giftcard distribution.

Anyway, suggestions for new episodes about other regions of Mexico (each state could have its own episode, for real) are very welcome. For now, sit back and enjoy this excellent scratching of the surface, right here or on iTunes.



Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Café Tacuba- "Cero y Uno"
Maná - "Me Vale"
Twin Steps - "The Junkie Song"

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Episode 15 Posted! What We Did on Our Summer Vacation

We're back! At least, on iTunes, where you can find our latest episode if you choose that route, and we hope you do. It's also embedded below.

Now, let's talk about it. Bret and Tyler both decided to travel this summer (as they are wont to do), and they're back to tell you how things went for them! Tyler already checked in with a special from Columbus, OH, so he's already beat that whole story in the ground. But Bret, as well as Tyler, took the opportunity to head east over the last month of the summer, and you won't believe what they found!!!

Actually, you probably will, because it wasn't anything particularly unbelievable. Beautiful scenery, interesting characters, and other issues that made them rant things for you and you only. For one thing, Bret was in Maine! What do you know about Maine? Not enough, I imagine. It's way up there.

They also tackled a number of other topics there isn't enough time to enumerate here, just tune in and enjoy yourself. See you this Thursday LIVE on Kbeach.org at 1pm PT with our MEXICO episode!




Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Rush- "La Villa Strangiato"
The Leftovers - "Make You Mine"
Airbag - "Coleccionista de Discos"

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Episode 13 Posted: Bikes, Bikes, Bikes!

We here at The Casual Geographer loves ourselves some Earth. Trust us, if any extraterrestrial force showed up and put it in danger, there's little question how we'd react. Anyway, as it turns out, it's no secret that a number of terrestrial forces have been chipping away at our fine planet for a long time. Take a good look at the Hollywood sign if you're in South Central LA. We'll wait. Oh, you can't see it? That's a bummer.

The automobile's a great invention, no doubt. It compressed space and time and made it possible to travel great distances around this world that Will Smith loved enough to punch an alien in face over. But, there's no denying that cars have unleashed a giant smoggy ghost over many of our major cities and have been bending the international weather patterns and such. (If you are a crazy person who denies human-made climate change, please comment. We could use the entertainment! Just, please check your spelling.)

ANYWAY, now that inflation has dropkicked our wallets in the face with gasoline prices hovering well above $4 per gallon in many places around the US, many people have taken to the buses (good idea!) and their own bikes (even cheaper!) to get from point A to point B. Lest we forget all of the people who enjoy pulling the two wheels out of the garage on weekends for recreation and a quality workout. This episode is for those people!

Tyler, Bret, and (eventually) Abel talk about their own experiences as cyclists in and out of the SoCal area, as well as tips for how to build your own bikes, protect those bikes, and ultimately yourself when out for a spin. Listen here or on itunes, and hope you enjoy it, no matter how shackled you are to your car!


And because (again) we love you, here's a Long Beach bike map by our very own Bret!

Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
The Vandals - "OK"
The Lovin' Spoonful - "Summer in the City"
This Bike is a Pipe Bomb - "The Black Panther Song"
The Descendents - "Bikeage" (you think we couldn't play this?)

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Episode 12 Posted - "Live from CGS" or "Davis Rock City"

We couldn't decide which title I liked more, and to be honest, there's a huge amount of time to write this week's spiel unfortunately. But what we will say is that the 66th Annual California Geographical Society meeting was a blast this past weekend. Memories, networking, and geospatial things and cultural scientific...stuff galore. Bret and Tyler piled into a hatchback (as you'll hear them whine about in the episode) and drove the many hours up to the serene NorCal burg of Davis for the meeting, and got the chance to record a few choice convos with a few conference VIPs. Dig in right here, and of course, who could forget the obligatory iTunes link (you should subscribe, you know).


SEGMENT BREAKDOWN, BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU.

1. Bret loves his CA Pistachios, and he reads why on the back of the bag.
2. Bret, Tyler, and their erstwhile companions Kat and Inky (David, according to the IRS) say hello from scorched desert on the way back down to SoCal.
3. SONG: el Trono de Judas - "Txoko Bizirik!"
4. Bret and Tyler interview Anita, a proud Basque-American from NorNev (Northern Nevada...I'm never going to use that shorthand again) about her research about the Basque People's history and current places in the United States. Interesgarri!
5. SONG: La Polla Records - "Revolucion"
6. Bret and Tyler chat with the righte honourable Dr. Steve Graves, the organizer of the feast, aka this year's CGS President about the conference and his own recent research. Spoiler: it involves weed.
7. SONG: Tad - "Just Bought the Farm"
8. "The Arctic Circle Circle" - Tyler sits down with David and Ashley, both of the CSU system and quite knowledgeable about that area in the great white north that some countries are totally gonna be fighting over in a few years or something.
9. SONG: Tortoise - "Glass Museum"
10. Bret and Tyler chat with Dr. Ray Sumner about her chance visit to the world's most freakishly environmentally sustainable university in the self-named Kaust, Saudi Arabia. 
11. SONG: Artie Shaw - "April in My Heart"
12. We say goodbye. Tear.

How awesome does this episode sound, seriously? If you aren't already jamming this one in your ears now, we don't know what to tell you. Actually, we do. You should listen, because we had fun and maybe you'll have fun listening to the sounds of it, and perhaps learn something.

Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
See the breakdown above, since they were appropriate to their segments (generally).

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And (for the last time, because the show is tonight), if you're in the area, come to our first Comedy Showcase! 8pm @ Pizza Pi, $7 Suggested Donation, all going to benefit the CSU Long Beach Geography Student Association. It's going to be a blast. Flyer with more details here.

Episode 11 Posted - HAWAI'I

Hey, Casually Geographically-minded people, We hope that your weekend was casual and awesome. Ours was more of the latter than the former, we took a road trip up to Davis for the 66th Annual California Geographical Society Conference. What a good time! And of course we brought along our equipment and did a few interviews with approximately 1/115th of the Geographers in attendance, which was all we really had time or resources for. But make sure to tune in Tuesday morning! This also (kind of) excuses our tardiness in posting last week's episode on the blog, as we will do starting... now:

This (last) week, we did an episode about the former Island Nation, now United State, Hawaii (which some may spell and pronounce Hawai'i, correctly I suppose). Our good friend Mystyn, a veteran of life on Hawaii's big island (commonly known as...Hawaii) came on board and shared some of her memories, perspectives, and unique experience of life in and around the city of Hilo.

Per usual, we wove some Hawai'ian-centric tunes in, and we took a good look at US's best state that's also an archipelago (by far). We hope that you enjoy it! And while we went the entire episode without saying it, I will write it now, with our best wishes: Aloha.
Listen right here or on itunes! Boom.

Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Belle & Sebastian - "Judy and the Dream of Horses"
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Cringer - "If I Had your Pen"
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole - Clip from Final Performance

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The Casual Geographer are teaming up with various geographers at Cal State to bring an awesome comedy show/benefit to Downtown Long Beach on May 3rd! Check out the fb event here, mark your calendar, and pass it around.

A Special Announcement Mini-Episode to Hold You Kids Over.

Also, come to our show on May 3rd! You will laugh, and (if you're of age) drink good beer, and laugh some more. Join the event on Facebook right here!

Episode 10 Posted: EASTER ISLAND!

To be honest, the fact that we aired this topic two days after Easter Sunday was a complete coincidence. Our friend Molan, seen to the right in this nifty photo she took last summer after journeying 17 hours to get to Rapa Nui, was doing a heady amount of research in remote sensing and spatial techniques on the island. Make no mistake: this is one of the most remote settled places on earth, right up there with Saint Helena and Tristan de Cunha (but they're both in the Atlantic, so screw those places, right?)

Easter Island is best known for its iconic mo'ai statues. But many people don't know what their story is, really. Another thing people don't know about Rapa Nui/Isla de Pascua is the wide swath of stone circles that have lasted hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Molan does, which is why she's on this episode to talk about her experiences, and I'm going to shut up now.

Listen right here or on itunes! Boom.



Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
Andrew Jackson Jihad - "Sense, Sensibility"
The Weepies - "Antarctica"
Matato'a - "Here Ma'Ohi"
Modest Mouse - "3rd Planet"

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The Casual Geographer are teaming up with various geographers at Cal State to bring an awesome comedy show/benefit to Downtown Long Beach on May 3rd! Flyer coming to this site soon, but for now, check out the fb event here, mark your calendar, and pass it around.

New Episode Posted, and Big Benefit Show Coming Soon

Hey, there. We know you're probably thinking about going away this summer or during whatever pockets of it you can escape from amidst the drudgery of your day job or whatever it is that helps you contribute to society. I mean, who wouldn't? Granted, with the economy the way it is now (as in, nobody has the kind of pocket change to get themselves overseas), many people are planning stuff closer to home and domestic.

No matter where you go, though, you have to remember to check for deals early and book early. And no matter who you are going to wherever you're going, mistakes always happen. It's amazing how many little variables we can overlook when trying to save money and trying to make the most out of our spring/summer trips.

That's where Bret and Tyler come in. Two seasoned travelers with more bizarre stories from around the world than could be crammed into one 55-minute episode, they are here to share their own advice for how to best expect the unexpected while you're globetrotting. Because they love you and don't want to have to fly to a Costa Rican prison to come bail you out again.

Enjoy the episode, the intermittent tunes mixed in, and if you do travel soon, remember to pack a towel. They forgot that universal bit of wisdom from Hitchhiker's Guide in this episode. Listen in and look for other mistakes yourself, right here, or on iTunes.



Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
The Arcade Fire - "Neighborhoods #1 (Tunnels)"
Neutral Milk Hotel - "Holland, 1945"
Various works by Artie Shaw

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IN OTHER NEWS, The Casual Geographer are teaming up with various geographers at Cal State to bring an awesome comedy show/benefit to Long Beach on May 3rd! Flyer coming to this site soon, but for now, check out the fb event here, mark your calendar, and feel free to pass it around.

Episode 8: The Geography of Geographer and the Bay Area

Hey, casual (and probably some) serious listeners of the Casual (and somewhat serious) Geographer. This week's episode was special for a number of reasons, the main one being, of course, an appearance by the up-and-coming Bay Area indie rockers Geographer. We couldn't not interview a band with that name. Anyway, they ventured down the Cali Coast on tour with Miniature Tigers and took some time to chat about their name (of course), some tour stories, and how one of them grew up outside of Tokyo and still speaks pretty solid Japanese! You have to listen to find out which one. Though, there are only three of them, so it shouldn't take too long to guess.

It was awesome getting the trio on board, since by the time they hit the stage at the Troubador on Sunday night, the second band on a bill of four, the crowd was already at full capacity and going crazy in anticipation of their set. With lovable indie-pop jams like "Verona" and "Kites" and their new album Myth selling as well as it has been, it shouldn't be long before these dudes are playing to packed houses of pogo-ing fans all over.

In another fortunate turn for this week, the interview with Geographer inspired us to take on The Bay Area as our topic. It's practically impossible to visit San Francisco and not love it (or at least return from there to your less-utopian place of residence without interesting stories about it). We hope you enjoy hearing us go on about the City by the Bay and wondering just why it is the way it is. At least, maybe it will help you better understand why Tony Bennett left his heart there.

Listen right here, or get it on iTunes.



Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
American Music Club - "All the Lost Souls Welcome You to San Francisco"
Red House Painters - "Mistress"
Geographer - "Verona", "Each Others' Ghosts," & "Kaleidoscope"
Moby Grape - "Hey Grandma"
Thee Oh Sees - "Block of Ice"
Jawbreaker - "Accident Prone"

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Episode 7 - "Peru" Posted!

What's going on, everyone? Now that we finally have this "live" thing under control, we invited a couple of our good friends to join us and talk about the South American country of their heritage - Peru! Listen right here, or download that 'cast on iTunes!

Peru's a lot more than just Machu Picchu, a convicted ex-President, and Anticuchos, but we definitely had quality conversations about all of those things with Kat and Gina. Thanks to Kat, in fact, for these quality photos of Lima and Tumbes you're about to lay your eyes on. That there map to the right via LonelyPlanet.com.

Produced by Tyler S. for TDC Productions
Theme Song: "The Face of the Earth" by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music Included:
American Football - "Never Meant"
Resplandor - "Downfall"
Autonomia - "Luchar y Resistir"

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Episode 5: Catalina Island

Ho Ho Ho, fellow casual geographers. Merry Christmas. We trust that you've all been good this year, and because you have, we've got an extra special, extra serene episode here for you. We think you'll enjoy it! And even if you don't, I think anyone would agree it's better than coal.

What's it about? We're glad you asked. About twenty-five miles off the shore of Los Angeles County, there exists a majestic island, full of breathtaking views, amazing beaches, tiny isolated towns, extraordinarily rich people, and buffalo (yes, that kind of buffalo). Our guests this week, our good friends Robert Cisneros and Julia Urcis, joined us to chat about their unforgettable experiences with this island. Robert is, in fact, one of the finest cartographers we know. Evidence below:

That's right: he charted his own hike across the island and mapped it so you don't have to. But that doesn't mean you should deprive yourself of experiencing this wonderful place. If you're in the LA area, head down to the Port of Los Angeles and hop on a ferry, or if you're a hardcore ironman, swim out (it's been done a bunch of times). But don't just take the Descendents' advice, tune in to this week's episode and hear what our guest have to say about it. You may learn more about it than you bargained for. And that, my friends, is the greatest Christmas gift of all. Hope you enjoy it, and have a safe, fun, happy New Year!

Love,
The Casual Geographer

Episode Info
Produced by Tyler
Theme Song by The Dismemberment Plan
Other Music includes
"Swimming in Sand" by Buck-o-Nine
and "Catalina" by The Descendents (of course)
All Photos and Maps here by Rob A. Cisneros

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