Deepest Apologies! Special Reissue

Deepest Apologies! Special Reissue

Author: Oops, Your Culture's Showing! ©2018: Dean Foster, Tom Peterson, and Torin Peterson June 26, 2025 Duration: 41:02
While we’re sorry to possibly offend, we’re not at all sorry about reissuing our apologies-across-cultures episode, “Sorry?”, from June 2019. We hope that you enjoy it, and if you don’t, what else can we say but…sorry?
We’re very (not) sorry to say that Dean and Tom are talking apologies across cultures, particularly in the U.K. and East Asia, in this episode. Also, Producer Torin brings in a recent New York Times article about apologetic tweets from British railway companies (sorry if you missed the article), while Dean and Tom chat about how the train system in New York doesn’t seem to want to apologize for anything. (Sorry, New York!)

***Subscribe to Dean’s Substack here for all of Dean’s CultureQuizzes, “Culture’s Consequences” articles, 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: English Episodes: 86

Oops, Your Culture's Showing!
Podcast Episodes
Global Holiday Gifting! Special Reissue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:21
Happy holidays! When you’re giving holiday gifts to friends or colleagues in other cultures, how, I ask, can you possibly have an idea whether your gift may delight or distress them? Well, I’ll tell you: By listening to…
22: The Political Climate. Ahh!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:29
It’s the biggest October surprise of all! We’re dropping this episode on the same day as the previous episode because there’s no time to waste: it’s October of a presidential election year in the United States. Millions…
21: Coronavirus. Oy. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:20
Dear listeners, we hope you’re doing well and staying safe in this novel coronavirus pandemic. Dean and Tom head outdoors and stay six feet apart to discuss how culture has impacted responses to this pandemic in societie…
20: Island Hopping: U.S. Virgin Islands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:52
We’re back with a new “island hopping” episode that was recorded prior to community spread of COVID-19 in the United States, so please forgive any mentions of “Corona” in this episode – we’re referring to the beer! Dean…
19: Which Body Part’s Itchy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:53
In this episode, Dean and Tom scratch away at cultural associations related to itchy noses, itchy palms, and itchy feet around the globe – so keep that hydrocortisone handy! Plus, all-time fan-favorite segment Grammar Ti…
Happy New Year! Special Reissue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:06
Happy New Year! As we close out 2019, we didn’t want to leave you old in the cold when it came to exploring New Year’s traditions around the world. Therefore we’re reissuing our New Year’s episode, Shoes & Argentinian Pi…
18: Island Hopping: New Zealand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:57
We’re back with a special “island hopping” episode: between the North and South Islands of New Zealand! Dean and Tom dive into Dean’s recent travels along the stunning TranzAlpine railway, and to the hub of extreme adven…
17: Do You Believe In Magic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:02
In this episode, Dean and Tom explore magical thinking across cultures, conjuring up the origins of good luck charms while clutching their rabbit’s foot, knocking on wood, and spitting to ward off the evil eye. They also…
16: Who Died? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:43
Don’t fear the reaper, dear listeners! In this journey along the River Styx, Dean and Tom explore how death is celebrated across cultures: from the joyous customs of Mexico’s Day of the Dead and Irish wakes, to the burni…
15: Sorry? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:02
We’re very (not) sorry to say that Dean and Tom are talking apologies across cultures, particularly in the U.K. and East Asia, in this episode. Also, Producer Torin brings in a recent New York Times article about apologe…