The Malaysian island of Penang is a wonder: a vibrant nexus of ethnicities, religions, history, trade, architecture, food and industry. Its main city is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for the harmonious co-existence of its three main cultures. To better understand this fascinating place, meet Alexis Kerr, who with her family has spent more than three decades “Living on the Pearl of the Orient”.

In Japan, I’ve been thinking a lot about sex-- from an historic and sociologic perspective. Japanese society expert and author Lesley Downer sets me straight on who's who and what's what.

When you hear about Egypt, you usually hear about its extraordinary, more than 5-thousand-year-old civilization – about its pharaohs, gods and archaeological riches. Join me in Egypt with Maha Abdulkhalek as we discuss the REAL Egypt of today -- the one the tourists don’t see.

If you know a young -- or retired -- adult who’s eager to make a difference in the world…or you’re just interested in what it means to be a Peace Corps volunteer in a former Communist country…join me and Katie Gomez in our enlightening conversation from the capital city of Albania.

For some women who want to live vibrantly as they age, the years after 60 are focused on change: downsizing, moving, learning new skills, seeing new places, building new relationships. For others, it’s about evolving by returning to your roots. Such is the case with author, teacher, actor, playwright and now theatrical producer Lori Myers, who offers an interesting perspective on how to go backward, in order to move forward.

What happens to a country’s art when it was suppressed by decades of authoritarian rule? A leading Lithuanian art historian, curator, critic and museum administrator discusses the effects of Soviet rule on Lithuanian contemporary art -- even today, after more than 35 years of independence.

Latvian feminist writer Inga Gaile confronts uncomfortable topics while grappling with her country's complex national psyche...and her own relationship to it. CORRECTIONS: Inga and I regret our errors in the podcast: She has 15 published works in Latvian, https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inga_Gaile, and there are "only" a million Latvian folksongs!

Ana Paula Legey of Rio de Janeiro wants to reclaim her passion for food service, and after a trip to Peru, she thinks she knows how to do that. Learn about the international food world with this fascinating and fun professional chef!