62: Talking Turkey…The Country (Part 1 of 2)

62: Talking Turkey…The Country (Part 1 of 2)

Author: Oops, Your Culture's Showing! ©2018: Dean Foster, Tom Peterson, and Torin Peterson March 26, 2026 Duration: 37:24

Merriam-Webster defines “talking turkey” as “speaking frankly or bluntly”, but, honestly, where’s the fun in that…so instead, we’re talking about Turkey, the country, in this episode. Dean brings Tom and Torin along on his recent expedition there: from “fabulous, glorious center of the word” Istanbul, to the “fascinating” fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the “enlightening” ceremony of the whirling dervishes – all while sipping on the freshest of pomegranate juice. There was so much Turkey to talk that they balked at trying to fit all the Turkey talk into one overstuffed pod-block (i.e., episode); therefore please enjoy this Part 1, and stay tuned for Part 2 next month! (‘Enjoy!’ in Turkish: ‘Tadını çıkar!’)

[As this episode was recorded remotely, please forgive any technical hiccups and/or audio oddities. Thank you!]

***Dean’s book, “Business Beyond Borders: Stories, Tales, and Lessons Learned from Working in 100 Cultures Around the World”, IS OUT NOW – order yours today! And: Subscribe to Dean’s Substack here to find all of Dean’s “Culture’s Consequences” articles, CultureQuizzes, and much more!***

Have a cultural question or episode idea? Reach out on X/Twitter & Facebook (@OopsCultureShow) or by email at oopscultureshow@gmail.com.

Hosts: Dean Foster & Tom Peterson

Audio Production: Tom Peterson & Torin Peterson

Music: “Little Idea” – Bensound.com


Ever find yourself in a situation where a simple gesture or comment lands completely wrong, all because of an unspoken cultural rule you never knew existed? That’s the territory explored in Oops, Your Culture's Showing! Hosted by Dean Foster alongside Tom and Torin Peterson, this podcast digs into the hilarious and often awkward moments where cultural differences come to light. Each episode feels like a conversation with well-traveled friends who’ve been there, analyzing real-life stories of social faux pas, misunderstood traditions, and the subtle norms that govern behavior around the globe. The tone is light and comedic, rooted in personal experience rather than dry academic lecture, making the exploration of societies and places genuinely engaging. You’ll hear the hosts dissect why certain actions are perfectly polite in one context and a major blunder in another, all while laughing at their own misadventures. It’s a blend of comedy and genuine education, perfect for anyone curious about the world or preparing to navigate it. Tune in to this podcast for a reminder that we’re all constantly revealing our cultural backgrounds, often at the most unexpected moments.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 87

Oops, Your Culture's Showing!
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