traxcultures

traxcultures

traxcultures is a podcast about life in intercultural spaces. It is about transitions across cultures - and all that entails, including the joys and the pains. This podcast uses resources compiled by Dr. Stephen W. Jones to follow the journey of people who have and are transitioned across cultures - including Stephen's family and others.

Episodes

August 16, 2023 21 mins

In today's episode, we dive into a compelling conversation about the importance of "Beginning with the Endings." This episode is part one of a three-part series featuring guests Stephen and Jenny Jones, founders of Excegent Communication.

Originally recorded on May 31st, 2021, this episode is a legacy from our previous...

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Originally Recorded: 06/09/2021

Brief Description

Welcome back to traxcultures,"the podcast where we explore the intersection of faith, art, and culture in the context of transitioning from one culture to another. I'm your host, Mike Picconatto, and today we continue our three-part series on "Beginning with the...

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September 25, 2023 26 mins

Originally Recorded: 06/16/2021

Welcome back to another episode of traxcultures, the podcast that explores the challenges and experiences of transitioning across cultures. In this episode we continue our discussion with Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones as they delve into the anticipated endings they face as they prepare to move to Berlin.

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September 27, 2023 26 mins

Originally Recorded: 06/23/2021

 

Brief Description



On this episode of traxcultures, we start a 3-part series about the neutral zone. The neutral zone, or the transition zone, is that unique and sometimes uncomfortable place between the endings of something old and the beginnings of something new.  Our guests ...

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September 28, 2023 25 mins

Originally Recorded:06/30/2021

Brief Description: 

Welcome back to traxcultures, the podcast where we explore the experiences and challenges of transitioning across cultures. In today's episode, "The Neutral Zone - Part 2 of 3", we delve deeper into the tumultuous period of transition known as the neutral zone....

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September 28, 2023 23 mins

Originally Recorded:07/07/2021

Notes

In today's episode, titled "The Neutral Zone - Part 3 of 3," we conclude our conversation with Stephen and Jennie Jones about the unique challenges and experiences of navigating the transition zone. 

As we delve into the discussion, we'll explore how this time in the neutral zone imp...

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November 2, 2023 26 mins

Originally recorded: 07/22/2021

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of culture. What exactly is culture, and how does it shape our interactions with others? 

Join host Mike Picconatto and his guests, Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones, as begin a three part series ...

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November 2, 2023 27 mins

Originally Recorded: July 28, 2021

Notes

In this episode, part two of a three part series on “What is Culture?”  we continue our exploration of the concept of culture and its nuances. 

Join host Mike Picconatto as he engages in enlightening conversations with author and cross-cultural expert Dr. Stephen W. Jones, and hi...

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November 2, 2023 26 mins

Originally Recorded: 08/04/2021

 

Notes

Welcome to another episode of Trax Cultures, where we delve deep into the intricacies of cultural transitions. In today's episode, the final episode of a three part series on “What is Culture,” we continue our exploration of culture we are joined again by Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones, as we dive into the topic of...

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December 20, 2023 30 mins

After arriving in Berlin, Germany, at the end of July 2021 - Stephen and Jennie Jones sit down with host Mike Picconatto to discuss their experiences as they go through the life-changing transition to Berlin.

In this 2-part series, Stephen and Jennie look back at the themes covered in earlier episodes: Beginning with th...

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December 20, 2023 31 mins

Originally Recorded: September 1, 2021

 

Notes

This week’s episode concludes a 2 part-series recorded in Berlin, Germany. The Jones family moved to Berlin at the end of July 2021, and Stephen and Jennie sat down with host Mike Picconatto to discuss some of their early experiences in their massive family transition.

In t...

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January 3, 2024 27 mins

Originally Recorded: October 13, 2021

 

Notes

 

In this episode, host Mike Picconatto is joined by guests Jennie Jones and Stephen W. Jones as they discuss culture shock and transition. Together, they talk about the emotional highs, disenchantment, discouragement, and depression that mark the stages of culture shock. 

W...

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January 3, 2024 29 mins

Originally Recorded: October 20, 2021

Notes

In this episode, our host Mike Picconatto and guests Stephen and Jennie Jones take a closer look at the impact of cultural stress and culture shock on individuals.  They share real-life examples of culturally stressful incidents, from grappling with language barriers at the grocery store to navigating public trans...

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January 3, 2024 29 mins

Originally Recorded: October 27, 2021

Notes

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the experiences of cross-cultural transitions with our special guests Stephen and Jennie Jones. The episode delves into the fluctuating feelings of capability, the impact of the Jones family's experiences on their emotional well-being, and the anticipation o...

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Originally Recorded: December 15, 2021

Notes

In this special Holiday Edition, Stephen and Jennie Jones, new staff at Envision Berlin, join Mike to revisit the themes of the Neutral Zone, Culture Stress, and Culture Shock through the lens of holidays - from Halloween to Christmas.

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Originally Recorded: December 22, 2021

Notes

In this special Holiday Edition, Stephen and Jennie Jones, new staff at Envision Berlin, join Mike to revisit the themes of the Neutral Zone, Culture Stress, and Culture Shock through the lens of holidays - from Halloween to Christmas.

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Originally Recorded: January 19, 2022

Notes

Today, Mike is joined by two of his children, Johannah and Caleb Picconatto, along with author Dr. Stephen W. Jones, to dive into the complex impacts of cross-cultural transitions on kids. Johannah and Caleb share their personal journey of moving to Berlin at a young age and navigating the challenges of integratin...

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Originally Recorded: January 26, 2022

 

Notes

In today's episode, Mike is joined once again by his children, Johannah and Caleb Picconatto, as well as Dr. Stephen W. Jones, to delve deeper into the impacts of cultural transitions on kids. They explore the intricate dynamics of maintaining friendships across continents, particularly how online gaming and tec...

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Originally Recorded: February 2, 2022

Notes

In this episode of Trax Cultures, Mike Picconatto is joined by Dr. Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones to dive into the challenging process of cultural transitions. Drawing from their own recent relocation to Berlin, they explore the transitional phases and the adjustments required when moving across cultures. 

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March 18, 2025 17 mins

Join host Mike Picconatto as he welcomes Joel and Kate Damon to traxcultures for the kickoff of Season 2, Episode 1 - Introducing the Damons. Joel and Kate Damon are preparing to leave Omaha, Nebraska for Berlin, Germany in September. Listen to their transformative stories and insights as they transition into cross-cultural life, setting the stage for a tra...

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