It's Called Culture
By Folk and Fad
Sharing our own stories (and those of our guests and listeners) across the backdrop of the immigrant experience, we unwind ideas of guilt, fear, shame, and social norms influenced by ethnicity, religion, and media. Each new episode also has a segment dedicated to sharing mental health best practices (the elephant in the room of our culture).
Guests and listeners of all cultures encouraged!
It's Called CultureSep 20, 2022
124: We're Back from Férias
First we discuss encounters with Portuguese travelers "in the wild"..... and then we talk about the house-of-cards that is immigrant parents making travel plans.
123: Once a Ladrão, Always a Ladrão
We cover several infamous bank robberies in Portugal & Other Portugal (Massachusetts) including Kelly's very own ride-along during a robbery-in-progress.
122: Consumer Culture and the Unmarketable Demographic (Vavos)
First, we discuss how the scholastic book fair has become less about reading and more about peddling junk to kids. Then, we discover the true untouchable demographic from an advertising and marketing standpoint -- immigrant grandparents.
121: This is 911, What's Your Emergência?
Kel's impersonations of her mother shine in this classic tale of immigrant parents vs. emergency services.
120: I'm Not Superstitious, But I am a Little Stitious
Another wild and crazy round of superstitions... It's all fun and games until you realize it shaped your whole personality ;-)
References:
Stories Grandma Never Told: Portuguese Women in California by Sue Fagalde Lick
10+ Weird Superstitions in Portugal by Portuguese With Carla
119: What it means to be Portuguese...(Reddit Roundup)
We give you a rundown of recent gems we've found on Reddit, including but not limited to: Portuguese "Family Guy" characters Santos & Pasqual; what 55 MPH really stands for on speed limit signs; and a complete (and way too accurate) Portuguese personality assessment.
118: Black Gold
We keep you "posted" on our composting efforts and rack our brains trying to figure out how our family members have thriving gardens despite their total disregard for the very specific instructions on the back of the seed packets.
117: Top 10 Bachelor Hometown Dates in Fall River MA (ish)
We briefly discuss the cultural aspects of Bachelor Joey's Hometown Dates and then count down the *very Portuguese infused* Top 10 dates we'd take a Bachelor suitor on in our own Hometown of Fall River, MA. Which of these dates would you prefer to go on?
116: The Electric Company
We reflect on the impact of '70s TV show The Electric Company on non-English speakers, sharing anecdotes of family members using an early-career Morgan Freeman to learn English.
This episode also features Portuguese restaurant etiquette for last minute reservations, hostesses (or lack thereof), ordering, and what to do when the lights go out.
115: Tio Manny is Selling Seguro
This week we dive into east and west coast Portuguese social clubs.
114: You Are What You Eat
The one where we watched a documentary and swore off meat. We discuss vegan, vegetarian, whole food plant based, and mediterranean diets. And we share our guiding principle: "WWTBD?" What Would Tom Brady Do?
113: Mystic Pizza
By listener request, we bring you a Mystic Pizza rewatch and review. We break down all of the Portuguese elements of this movie -- names, behaviors, lullabies, and even the Last Supper decor.
112: Uno-Reverse Your Ancestors
We discuss what it means to uno-reverse your ancestors and how to decipher their recipes.
111: Forza
May the Forza be with you in this episode of hilariously bad English to Portuguese translations and the stories that go along with them.
110: Capital Punishment
In this episode, we delve into the dark history of foundling wheels and discuss shocking cases in the US and Portugal of deception involving faked pregnancies and elaborate scams.
109: Eat, Pray, Worry
Discussing a chapter of Sue Fagalde Lick's book "Stories Grandma Never Told: Portuguese Women in California" leads us on some hilarious tangents about food, church, and survival.
108: Portugalia & Cooking Math
We discuss Portugalia, a beloved Portuguese goods marketplace in Fall River, Massachusetts. From its humble beginnings to its bustling Christmas atmosphere and our favorite finds.
Then we reflect on our family's holiday traditions from gift exchange strategies to culinary adventures -- including the "cooking math" that is common to Azorean Americans.
107: Feast of the Seven Fishes
We discuss the film "The Feast of the Seven Fishes" that we recently discovered on Netflix. This Italian immigrant movie hits all the right marks for a Christmas Eve celebration: 1980s, cake-eaters, evil eye, bacalhau, midnight mass, uncle with the bad jokes.
106: The Rice is Raw (Let it Cook)
First we share a saying from my vavó that I discovered was from a popular song (O Arroz Está Cru) and then we host our first "translation bee" of the new year.
105: New Year New Me
We share 2024 life goals loosely inspired by Açores circa 1960.
104: Ghosts of Christmas Present
We explore the idea of Christmases Present and the excessive holiday-time commitments that have come to be. Elf on the Shelf! Advent Calendars! Yankee Swap! Secret Santa! Spirit Week! Stocking Stuffers! While we appreciate the joy, we emphasize the need for simplicity and balance during this time. We will be taking a break from the podcast during Christmas week. Boas Festas! See you in the New Year!
103: Ghosts of Christmas Past
We explore the idea of Christmases Past starting with our parents' sparse and simple Christmas traditions and our own childhood holiday memories.
102: Pastéis de Belém
We describe a visit to the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop, its history, and participation in a Lisbon cooking class where we made replicas of the famous pastries. And in typical Portuguese-fashion, you'll find a nata recipe throughout this episode (with no measurements). Good luck!
101: Language Oddities
From the challenge of finding the right word for "candy" to trying to describe something as "under-salted", we uncover the nuances of the Portuguese language.
100: Shots of Ginjinha from an Unmarked Bottle
Our 100th episode! We discuss all things ginjinha (the unofficial sour cherry liqueur of Lisbon).
099: Christmas Movies and Cleaning Out Vavo's House
In this episode, we discuss our love for movies involving time loops and body-switching. We recommend the Brazilian Portuguese film "Just Another Christmas" on Netflix, with similarities to "Groundhog Day." Then we share amusing anecdotes and nostalgic experiences while clearing out Mel's grandmother's apartment over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
098: The One with the Tongue Twister
Even the simplest things can be a challenge when navigating another country in your second language.
097: Gonna Need More Gasolina
Part 2 of the Portugal journey = Mel in Cars Getting Coffee...
096: Flying to Portugal: The Good, The Bad, and The Tuna
095: Portuguese Round-Up
We discuss the remarkable life of Bobi, a Portuguese dog who lived to be 31 years old. We explore the challenges that older generations face with banking technology, share stories of frugal immigrant habits, and host a "Translation Bee" segment.
094: Preparing for Fava February
We share the results of our Vitality Tests with each other and discuss how to improve our life expectancies.
093: Lizzie Borden: Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Happy Halloween! We analyze the aftermath of our hometown's infamous double ax murder. Part 2 of 2 reveals how a Portuguese immigrant's actions may have influenced the trial and covers the remaining life and death of Lizbeth A. Borden, including Kelly's visitas to the properties.
092: Lizzie Borden Math Ain't Mathing
This episode analyzes the dizzying details of our hometown's infamous double ax murder. Part 1 of 2. Tune in tomorrow to learn how a Portuguese immigrant's actions may have influenced the trial and to hear about the remaining life and death of Lizbeth A. Borden, including Kelly's visitas to the properties.
091: Who's Moving the Ouija?
First, we delve into the origins of the board, the historical context of spiritualism, and skeptic investigations. Next we recount tales such as a courtroom trial involving a Ouija board and unusual bequests made to spirits through the board. Lastly, we examine the evolving portrayal of Ouija boards in popular culture such as The Exorcist and I Love Lucy.
090: Survey Says Too Many People Believe Their House is Haunted
We cover haunted house history, cultural significance, and Kelly's desire to snag a deal on a dwelling with see-through roommates.
089: The TV Series "Dexter" Was Based on What?!
This week's spooky episode covers the story of Pedro Rodrigues Filho, known as "Pedrinho Matador" or "Lil Petey Killer"...
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088: Longevity or Bust
We explore the concept of centenarians and blue zones - regions known for their high occurrence of people reaching the age of 100. We discuss the Netflix documentary "Live to 100, Secrets of the Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner, highlighting the commonalities among the five blue zones featured: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece; and Nicoya, Costa Rica. We delve into their plant-based diets, reflect on the importance of whole foods, and discuss the significance of purpose and a supportive community environment for longevity.
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087: The Hungry Ghost
We discuss the Chinese cultural belief in hungry ghosts (a specific type of residual spirit of deceased ancestors) including their origin and ghost month traditions. Did you know each leg hair not shaven can defend against three ghosts?!
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086: Book Club Discussion "Stories Grandma Never Told: Portuguese Women in California"
First we hold a hilarious "Translation Bee" and then we discuss a book by Sue Fagalde Lick about Portuguese women in California. We explore the hardships faced by immigrants and the historical oppression of Portuguese women. We reflect on their strength and resilience.
085: The Bridgewater Triangle
084: O Weekend Update
A fun and casual weekend update including tickets to the church supper and an idea for training grounds for Portuguese children.
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083: Initial Settlement of the Azores
In this episode we discuss the burning question on everyone's minds regarding the people who came over to test fertility of the lands and be the first to settle the uninhabited Azores in the 1400's... "Who would volunteer for that?!"
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Reference: The Azores by Walter Frederick Walker, 1886
082: The Cultural Art of Ignoring Your Kids
In observance of Daughters Day celebrations around the world, we discuss the book Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans by Michaeleen Doucleff, which challenges Western-centric views of parenting. The discussion is eye-opening even for those who don't have kids. Merch: folkandfad.com/thebazaar
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081: Brazilian Medium Who Was Once At-Large
We discuss Netflix's documentary John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer. Idolized medium João Teixeira de Faria rises to international fame before accusations of abuse come from survivors, prosecutors, and the press. Warning: You'll never drink a Hi-C Ecto Cooler again.
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080: Red Wine from Levira Distillery Floods Portuguese Village Street
By listener request, we cover the Great Vinho Flood of 2023. We've all seen the viral video of the red wine flowing down the road from the Levira Distillery in the village of São Lourenço de Bairro in Anadia, Portugal. Let's talk about wine surplus, similar spills, potential new crops, and firefighter calendars. #neverforget! #newfesta!
Video Episode: View on YouTube
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079: At the Festa with Guest: Kyler Canastra
078: Weekend Soccer and Portuguese Family Outings
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077: Boston's North End Molasses Flood
We discuss the events leading up to the devastating January 15, 1919 Great Molasses Flood in Boston's North End immigrant community as well as the investigations that followed.
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076: The Legend of Cocaine Island
We discuss Netflix's The Legend of Cocaine Island, about a family man with no drug running experience who searches the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico during the Great Recession for a lost stash of cocaine said to be worth at least $2 million... And how "Portuguese dad" financial advice could have prevented this entire scandal.
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075: Lisbon Lobotomy
We discuss a controversial Portuguese Nobel Prize Winner who made lobotomies happen and shared his findings with his colleagues at a World Neurological Convention (a.k.a. he bragged to his booth mates at the science fair).
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Reference:
Walter Freeman's Lobotomies: Oral Histories