Holidays Part 2 - What’s on Our Multicultural Holiday Tables?

Culture Clash Parenting

#Parenting #Astrid Block & Marisa Raymond #Astrid Block #Marisa Raymond #Multiculturalism #Bi-national #Family

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

about a year ago 46:03

MP3•एपिसोड होम

Topics Discussed:

Thanksgiving traditions and recipes, including sweet potato variations and stuffing
Exploring European holiday staples: goose, foie gras, and raclette
Chocolate traditions, from Hanukkah gelt to Advent calendars and Swiss cauldrons
Superstitions and traditions, including lucky New Year’s foods like black-eyed peas, seafood, and German lead pouring

Download Our Holiday Recipe Book:
We’ve gathered the recipes we discussed in this episode into a downloadable recipe book for you to enjoy and share. Download it here

What’s on your holiday table?
Whether it’s a favorite family recipe, a new cultural twist, or a lucky food tradition, we’d love to hear your stories. Send us your recipes and memories, and let us know if you’re okay with us sharing them in our global holiday cookbook.

--
We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes!
And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review.
Connect with Us:

Instagram: @cultureclashparenting
Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com

Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world.
Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music

10 एपिसोडस

Culture Clash Parenting

Holidays Part 2 - What’s on Our Multicultural Holiday Tables?

Culture Clash Parenting

published about a year ago

साझा करें

MP3•एपिसोड होम

Topics Discussed:

Thanksgiving traditions and recipes, including sweet potato variations and stuffing
Exploring European holiday staples: goose, foie gras, and raclette
Chocolate traditions, from Hanukkah gelt to Advent calendars and Swiss cauldrons
Superstitions and traditions, including lucky New Year’s foods like black-eyed peas, seafood, and German lead pouring

Download Our Holiday Recipe Book:
We’ve gathered the recipes we discussed in this episode into a downloadable recipe book for you to enjoy and share. Download it here

Instagram: @cultureclashparenting
Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com

10 एपिसोडस

#Parenting #Astrid Block & Marisa Raymond #Astrid Block #Marisa Raymond #Multiculturalism #Bi-national #Family

सभी एपिसोड

1
Lost (And Found) in Translation - Idioms & Expressions In English, German, and French 46:12

12 days ago46:12

46:12

If you want to check out the video version, be sure to check out our youtube channel: @cultureclashparenting In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of idiomatic expressions across English, French, and German. Have you ever translated a phrase word-for-word and ended up with total nonsense? We’ve all been there! Language is more than just words—it’s history, humor, and culture wrapped into unique expressions. Join us as we explore some of the funniest and most unexpected idioms that reveal cultural differences, generational shifts, and even a bit of linguistic humor from our kids! Vocabulary Shared in This Episode Making assumptions too soon English: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch French: Ne vends pas la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué ( Don’t sell the bear’s skin before you’ve killed it ) German: Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben ( Don’t praise the day before the evening ) Having a hoarse voice English: To have a frog in your throat French: Avoir un chat dans la gorge ( To have a cat in the throat ) German: Einen Frosch im Hals haben ( To have a frog in the throat ) Standing someone up English: To stand someone up French: Poser un lapin à quelqu’un ( To leave a rabbit with someone ) German: Jemanden sitzen lassen ( To leave someone sitting ) Children resembling their parents English: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree French: Les chiens ne font pas des chats ( Dogs don’t make cats ) Accepting fate or that something is hopeless English: That’s the way the cookie crumbles French: C’est la fin des haricots ( It’s the end of the beans ) Not caring about something French: C’est égal ( It’s all the same to me) German: Das ist mir Wurst ( That’s sausage to me ) Everything eventually coming to an end German: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei ( Everything has an end, only the sausage has two ) Heavy rain English: It’s raining cats and dogs French: Il pleut des cordes ( It’s raining ropes ) German: Es regnet Bindfäden ( It’s raining threads/strings ); Es regnet wie aus Kübeln ( It’s raining buckets ) Describing terrible weather German: Sauwetter ( Female pig weather ) or Das ist ein Wetter, um im Bett zu bleiben ( That’s a weather to stay in bed ) Telling someone to mind their own business English: That’s none of your business French: C’est pas tes oignons ( That’s not your onions! ) German: Das geht dich nichts an Your turn! What are your favorite idioms from your l -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
School Lunches - Crêpes or Crap 44:53

26 days ago44:53

44:53

If you want to check out the video version, be sure to check out our youtube channel: @cultureclashparenting What’s on your child’s school lunch tray? In this episode, we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) differences in school lunches across cultures. From French multi-course meals to American cafeteria nacho bars, we explore what kids are eating at school and how food policies shape their choices. We also share our own experiences—from childhood lunch memories to feeding our multicultural teens today. Topics Discussed: How school lunches differ in France, Germany, and the U.S. The impact of school food policies on nutrition and student choices. The role of parental involvement in shaping kids’ eating habits. Personal experiences with school meals—then vs. now. The cultural significance of food in education systems. Vocabulary Shared in This Episode: Cantine (French) – The school cafeteria, where students are served a multi-course meal. Mittagessen (German) – Midday meal, traditionally eaten at home, but now served at school as schedules shift. National School Lunch Program (U.S.) – A program funded by US taxpayers and operated by the US Dept of Agriculture. It provides meals at a discount or no cost for qualifying families. Poisson Pané (French) – Literally "breaded fish," but also part of a classic joke about a fish that can’t smell (you’ll hear it in the episode!). Chandeleur (French) – The French holiday we talked about in Episode 4 . It means crêpes for everyone—because food traditions extend beyond school lunches! This is the recipe (in French) Marisa uses to make hers. Your turn! What were your favorite (or least favorite) school lunches growing up? How does your child’s school handle meals? -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
Our Teens, Their Schools: Back to Class After the Holidays 1:05:21

6 weeks ago1:05:21

1:05:21

In this episode, we reflect on some of the unique dynamics of secondary education systems across cultures. From conseil de classe in France to the German Abitur , we kick of 2025 by sharing how we're navigating reentry after the holidays. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, insights, and the unexpected surprises of parenting our multicultural teens. Topics Discussed: The transition between semesters and report card timelines in France, Germany, and the U.S. Examples of the pressures and opportunities faced by third-culture kids in navigating multiple education systems. A comparison of college and university structures across countries. Where we are with our reflections as we support our older kids in choosing their educational paths—both locally and abroad. Vocabulary Shared in This Episode: Conseil de classe : A parent-teacher-student meeting in France to discuss academic performance. Collège (French) : Middle school in France, covering US grades 6–9. Lycée (French) : High school in France, covering grades 10–12. Baccalauréat (Bac) : The French high school diploma and university entrance qualification. Die Unterstufe (German): Lower middle school in Germany, typically covering grades 5-7. Die Mittelstufe (German) : Upper school in Germany, typically covering grades 8-11. Die Oberschule (German) : High school in Germany, covering grades 11–13. Abitur (Abi) : The German equivalent of the bac , required for university admission. Third-culture kids : Children raised in cultures different from their parents' home culture(s), often blending influences from multiple environments. Your turn: What unique traditions or systems have you encountered in education where you live? How do you prepare your children to navigate these differences? -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
Happy New Year 2025! 34:31

8 weeks ago34:31

34:31

Introduction: Happy New Year! We’re excited to share our first episode of 2025 with you. In this episode, we reflect on how different cultures celebrate the start of the year. From pomegranates in Greece to chimney sweeps in Germany, we share our personal traditions and explore symbols of luck, family, and hope across the globe. Whether you celebrated with fireworks and champagne or went to bed early, this episode is all about stepping into 2025 with joy and connection. Topics Discussed: Marisa’s New Year’s traditions, including celebrating her New Year’s Baby with fondue chinois. Astrid’s family meal featuring a recipe from our holiday cookbook—download it here . German New Year traditions like lead pouring, Dinner for One, and the lucky chimney sweep. What Marisa learned about Greek customs during her family's vacation. Vocabulary and Symbols Shared in This Episode: Bonne année / Meilleurs voeux : French phrases to wish someone a Happy New Year and best wishes. Frohes Neues Jahr / Alles Gute : German phrases for Happy New Year and best wishes La Fondue Chinoise : A Swiss-inspired meal where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in broth at the table. Dinner for One : A classic British sketch that has become a New Year’s Eve staple in Germany. Lead Pouring : A German tradition, also used in some Jewish cultures, where melted lead is dropped into water to predict the future. Chimney Sweep : A symbol of good luck in German culture (and others if Mary Poppins is to be believed). We Want to Hear from You: How do you celebrate the New Year? What are your favorite traditions, foods, or good luck symbols? We’d love to hear how you say “Happy New Year” in your language! -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
Holiday Part 3 - Twinkling Lights and Latkes 1:04:06

10 weeks ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this episode, we explore the joys and challenges of blending holiday traditions as multicultural and interfaith families. From menorahs to Christmas stockings, gumball trees to Secret Santa exchanges, we share stories of how we navigate the holiday season while honoring our children’s diverse cultural and religious identities. We also dive into the role of holiday music in creating joy. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, a mix of both or something entirely different, this episode is all about finding connection and magic during “the most wonderful time of the year”. Topics Discussed: Blending cultural influences and creating new traditions for our children The role of holiday decorations and music in creating a festive atmosphere Differences between European and American holiday celebrations The joy and meaning behind gift-giving and thoughtful gestures Spreading Holiday Cheer Together: Celebrate the season with us by taking part in the holiday magic! Drop us an email at cultureclashparenting@gmail.com or head over to Instagram and let us know: Your favorite holiday gifts—both received and given. Your favorite holiday songs (and/or ask Marisa for her curated playlist that includes favorites like “ Hanukkah Blessings ” by Barenaked Ladies. -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
Holidays Part 2 - What’s on Our Multicultural Holiday Tables? 46:03

12 weeks ago46:03

46:03

In this episode, we dive into the delicious world of holiday foods across cultures! From Thanksgiving leftovers to Christmas goose, foie gras, and mulled wine, we share stories of the dishes that make our holidays special. We discuss how our favorite traditions have evolved as cross-cultural parents, blending the flavors of our childhoods with the customs of the countries we now call home. Hungry yet? Tune in to explore the festive meals and treats that bring us joy and connection during the holiday season. Topics Discussed: Thanksgiving traditions and recipes, including sweet potato variations and stuffing Exploring European holiday staples: goose, foie gras, and raclette Chocolate traditions, from Hanukkah gelt to Advent calendars and Swiss cauldrons Superstitions and traditions, including lucky New Year’s foods like black-eyed peas, seafood, and German lead pouring Download Our Holiday Recipe Book: We’ve gathered the recipes we discussed in this episode into a downloadable recipe book for you to enjoy and share. Download it here What’s on your holiday table? Whether it’s a favorite family recipe, a new cultural twist, or a lucky food tradition, we’d love to hear your stories. Send us your recipes and memories, and let us know if you’re okay with us sharing them in our global holiday cookbook. -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
Holidays Part 1 - Keeping Holiday Traditions Alive Across Cultures 53:53

14 weeks ago53:53

53:53

In this episode, we kick off our holiday series with a lively discussion about blending and preserving holiday traditions from our cultures. We specifically talk about three favorites (that all revolve around food!): Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Chandeleur. We share our experiences as parents navigating holiday celebrations across countries and traditions and how we're teaching our kids the meaning behind each holiday while juggling the busy season. Tune in to hear our stories, laughter, and tips for making the holidays meaningful, no matter where you are. Topics Discussed: The challenges and joys of blending holidays from multiple cultures How food traditions create connection during the holiday season The differences between European and American celebrations of Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Chandeleur Teaching kids about gratitude, family, and cultural traditions Vocabulary Shared in This Episode: Thanksgiving (English): A harvest holiday centered around gratitude, food, and family gatherings and celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November Das Erntedankfest (German): Literally "the harvest thank festival," a religious harvest celebration Halloween (English): Celebrated on October 31, known for costumes, candy, and spooky fun. In other traditions, this day is observed as Samhain or All Hallows’ Eve , marking a time to honor the dead and the transition into winter. Trick or Treat (English) / Un bonbon ou un sort (French): The iconic phrase kids use to ask for candy Allerheiligen/Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) : Celebrated on November 1, a day to honor the dead and remember loved ones who have passed away, often marked by visiting cemeteries and leaving flowers. Sankt Martin/Martinstag (German): Celebrating Saint Martin of Tours on November 11th with lantern parades and baked treats Weckmann (German): A sweet bread shaped like a gingerbread man with a pipe, traditionally given on Sankt Martin's Day Chandeleur (French): Also known as Candlemas, a Christian holiday commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the temple. In modern France, it is primarily celebrated by making and eating crêpes, with traditions like flipping crêpes for good luck. We Want to Hear from You: What are your favorite holiday traditions, and how do you keep them alive across cultures? Do you celebrate any of the holidays we discussed, or have a unique tradition to share? We’d love to hear your stories! Send us a message or tag us on Instagram to join the conversation. -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
Parenting in Translation – Why One Word Means So Much Across Cultures 52:02

16 weeks ago52:02

52:02

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating differences in how the concept of "parenting" varies across cultures, starting with a surprising fact: the word "parenting" doesn’t even exist in some languages, like French and German! We discuss how these linguistic differences reflect deeper cultural expectations around raising children and the role of parents. From whether parents should help with homework to when kids are expected to walk to school independently, we share our own experiences and insights as expats navigating parenting in new cultures. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The absence of the term "parenting" in French and German, and what it reveals about cultural values Different expectations around parental involvement in homework Balancing independence and guidance, especially in school and social settings How language and culture influence perceptions of "good parenting" and autonomy Vocabulary Shared in This Episode: Parenting/Parenthood French: "La parentalité (parenthood) and “élever” (to raise) German : “Die Elternschaft" (parenthood); Die Erziehung” (child-rearing) and "erziehen" (to raise) We want to hear from you! Tell us how parenting is viewed in your culture. Is there even a word for it? -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
Lost In Translation - The Faux Amis Chronicles 35:57

18 weeks ago35:57

35:57

In this episode of Culture Clash Parenting , Marisa and Astrid dive into the humorous and sometimes embarrassing world of "faux amis," or "false friends"—words that sound the same across languages but mean completely different things. They share personal stories of language mishaps and explore how such experiences shape their lives as expat parents. From accidentally calling their kids rude names to confusing medical terms that lead to near heart attacks, they laugh through the chaos and lessons of navigating language barriers. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Understanding "faux amis" and the funny language mix-ups they create How language differences can lead to embarrassing (or hilarious) situations with kids, family, and friends The courage to speak and make mistakes as a foreigner in a new country Tips for using humor and resilience as tools for adaptation and growth Encouragement for listeners to embrace language mistakes and the learning they bring Key Takeaways: Language barriers can create surprising (and often humorous) misunderstandings. Learning from these moments is essential to adapting in a new culture. Having an accent or making mistakes in a foreign language is a sign of courage and effort. Marisa and Astrid encourage others to celebrate their bravery. Sharing these humorous moments helps create a sense of community and resilience among those navigating cross-cultural experiences. A Few of Our Favorite Faux Amis Download your FREE PDF of the faux amis we mentioned in this episode here . -- We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes! And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review. Connect with Us: Instagram: @cultureclashparenting Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world. Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music…

1
How We Met 49:15

20 weeks ago49:15