Ben Went To Australia - SimplyPodLogical #97

On this episode of SimplyPodLogical, Ben explains why he went to Australia for 12 days, Cristine and Ben take an Australian dialect quiz, and Ben tries to convince Cristine that they should go to Australia one day.
0:00 - Hey what’s up holo everyone
0:48 - Ben’s mom passed away
3:04 - Did Ben see a Dingo?
5:35 - The flight to Australia is very long
13:56 - Driving on the left side of the road
17:22 - What’s in Tasmania?
20:02 - Ben got recognized in Australia
25:31 - Does everyone in Australian have an Australian accent?
28:28 - Doing an Australian dialect quiz www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...
38:39 - What might Cristine like about Australia?
39:01 - Penal colonies
41:53 - Australian wildlife
44:10 - Australia has good coffee culture
45:33 - Australian sports are dumb
48:06 - Do the toilets actually flush in the other direction?
49:45 - Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter
53:24 - The longest Ben and Cristine have ever been apart
55:25 - Should we still do an ‘end of the world’ podcast?
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[@mullermix]

As a European I feel the need to clarify one thing: WE DON'T ALL DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD 😂😂 Most of Europe drives on the right side. It's only the UK and Ireland that I know of. Not sure about other island nations like Malta and Cyprus, but all of continental Europe drives on the right for sure

[@rebecaruiz9503]

I came here looking for this comment, thank you!

[@folded_pizza]

Yes!!!! There's actually a Wikipedia page with a map of who drives left and who drives right, it's called "Left and right hand traffic"

[@blackanne]

Also Australia drives in the left because of the connection with England. Continental Europe doesn't have that connection. It comes from the old times when people were mounting horses (from the left) and carrying weapons (kept on the left side to be drawn with the right hand). Similar laws were introduced in Japan. Continental Europe had very regionalised rules or even zero rules for a long time but not all of it is right sided.

[@SashaMonsteraki]

Yes, Cyprus too, because of UK occupation

[@Acorni]

YESS! Thank you. Felt the urgent need to comment on this but fortunately someone had already clarified this.🤣

[@erinbresnahan7127]

Welcome back Ben! You don’t have to talk about it but we are here lifting you and your family up.

[@eileen_a_b]

LOLOL I have the same initials and frequently go by them so when I saw your comment I did a double take thinking, when did I write that?, lol

[@llovingllife]

@@eileen_a_b we will wiwwi

[@llovingllife]

Well

[@janineong307]

@@eileen_a_b H he we was bc fu gc cc clcgfdfgfdfzfxffdgdgizpfifdiuddgdjdffafgdfaassssdssddasasasssaaaadsaasssdssaaagdgfyihgfgsfjjjhjihsijshahissjjhjiutjuy

[@poetsinlove]

+

[@opal9087]

Holo there, it’s the girl from Hobart doing her PhD! Thanks for the shoutout, and I’m glad that it was nice to be recognised ☺️ Also as someone with a degree in physics - the effect Ben is thinking of when talking about toilets flushing is the Coriolis force, which is a thing! But as Cristine said it’s more likely that the construction of the drain/flushing mechanism determines the rotation. The Coriolis force is important in atmospheric physics though - for example, cyclones twist in different ways in the different hemispheres. 😊

[@andrewwignall2070]

Hey nice, cheers for the groovy information!

[@nefertitimontoya]

Omg very cool! What's your research on if I may ask?

[@opal9087]

@@nefertitimontoya I study active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets! They're enormous jets of relativistic plasma (many times larger than their host galaxy!) that are shot out from supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies, and they emit radio emission (look up Cygnus A for an example!). They're super important for galaxy formation and evolution since they provide feedback (i.e. heat) to the surrounding environment, so part of what I'm doing is trying to quantify how much of this feedback we can actually quantify from their radio emission, and therefore provide better estimates for galaxy formation models! :)

[@nefertitimontoya]

@@opal9087 WOAH THAT IS SO COOL :O thank you for sharing!!! I have so many questions haha

[@hallwayoatmeal]

Oh yeah we learned about the Coriolis effect in my Environmental Science class! Cool stuff! Btw your studies sound fascinating :D

[@siouxsie18]

Really cool seeing Ben's experiences in Australia, love hearing what other people think of our country and us as people! As an Australian (also a veterinarian), a few points to make: - The STI they are talking about with koalas is chlamydia, and it's not infectious between them and us. - Yes we do have cats here lol. Some local councils do have restrictions about letting cats outside but not many do. - Wild rabbits are a major pest for farmers and actually illegal to own as a pet in one state (Queensland). However they are quite normal to have as pets elsewhere. - Yes you can hold a koala at a wildlife park or zoo! These are tame, usually hand-raised, orphaned wildlife though - do not try and pick up and cuddle a wild koala! No joke, I've been bitten twice before. They have a very powerful bite and have very sharp claws. And they are just called koalas, and not koala bears. - I agree with Ben saying to not really be worried about spiders and snakes - the chances (especially outside of summer) to see a snake in the suburbs are extremely low. Spiders are pretty harmless too; so neither of them really worry me. A question to Canadians though, aren't you scared of moose and bears when you go out camping!? - Thank you for acknowledging that Steve Irwin didn't treat animals the best. I wouldn't say he's a national hero, but, maybe it's because a lot of people that I spend time with don't really look at him like that either. I think it's also worth mentioning majority of people don't talk like him either, he has a very broad, Queensland accent that a small minority of people have. Other points: - a lot of those terms in the quiz are kind of old school/outdated. Australians say 'trackies' instead of 'sweats' or 'sweat pants', but people wouldn't say trackie daks. Never heard of rurosexual or bunny rug before. The term 'putting it in the pool room' is from an old Australian movie called The Castle, but again, most people wouldn't say that term normally. - The toilet doesn't flush in the opposite direction! Our toilets (and I've travelled a lot around Australia too) are low-water toilets, so the water level is really low. They don't really flush clockwise/anti-clockwise, more like it flushes upwards, idk how to describe it. - Yes if you are wealthy enough, and have the backyard space for it, some Australians do have swimming pools Cristine! Agree with you saying Australia doesn't get as cold as Canada would in winter, and it only snows in a very select few spots here. But we have scorching summers, so having a pool makes much more sense for us! - I would agree with most Australians having a 'meh' kind of attitude similar to Canadians (as you describe) to the Commonwealth/monarchy. We also have the Queen on our money - all of our coins, and also on our $5 note. I would say more people would be against being in Commonwealth rather than being actively pro-monarchy. Anyway, this podcast showed really showed how open-minded, intelligent and respectful Ben is towards a different culture/country. It's nice to have our culture discussed beyond stereotypes! Hope you're doing ok Ben.

[@nimishakeskar2332]

What a beautiful comment, so informative and appreciative. Also, I love Ben so much

[@siouxsie18]

@@nimishakeskar2332 I would have loved to have bumped into Ben in Australia! Thanks for your reply, always happy to talk about animals and Australia 😊

[@mlejb4]

Agree with it all except to say that I sometimes say trackie-dacks. I get that from my dad haha and I think a lot of people 50s plus would definitely still say that. A lot of slang is regional so although a lot of the slang in the quiz didn't apply to me I wouldn't put it past some areas! 😅😅😅

[@irinam31]

You made me realize I'd rather be mauled or trampled to death than grossed out by a plate-sized spider 🤔

[@miss_jess]

You saved me having to type out all this! (Also it's cool to see a vet who is a Simply fan)

[@marleneg.7128]

Ben cope with it in whatever way you need. As a therapist, I applaud you being open about some things needing professional help and not just “venting”. Grief is hard, and dealing with it is not a simple, one way path for everyone. Hugs your way from Mexico.

[@lindseybotelho]

Menchie definitely senses Ben's emotions, she clearly cares alot for him.

[@anaarias1993]

Thought the same when he was talking about it menchie was right In front of him and once he stop taking about it menchie walked away sensed he was ok now ❤️

[@marissanewman9273]

Americans: “ugh, the flight to Australia is so long” Us Aussies: “we know, a flight to almost anywhere is long” 😭

[@Nemome10]

"These people are unhinged". We did it Australians. We perfectly curated our reputation!

[@hayley6110]

The Azaria Chamberlain story is also one that highlights racism in Australia. Local Indigenous people had tried to explain that yes, a Dingo would steal an unattended baby. Because they were black and barely considered human beings (look up the 1967 Australian referendum) the white police wouldn't listen to them. It took DECADES to exonerate Lindy (Azaria's mum).

[@sharnaeks7800]

If anyone wants a detailed account of this, the podcast ‘you’re wrong about’ has an episode on it. Even as an Australian it taught me lots.

[@toltorg]

@@sharnaeks7800 I’m also Australian and definitely checking this out. Thank you so much.

[@brodieclapperton-craig898]

Yep I totally get that Simply didn't realise there was a real life (devastating) story behind this, but I hope the joking ceases now :)

[@jj-if6it]

I also appreciate Ben explaining the "dingo ate my baby" quote. I wish people would stop using it as it's making fun of a horrible and tragic event - since when is baby death funny!

[@amiablehacker]

@@jl2280 exactly. It was like a smear campaign. Everyone was in on the "joke" even though the family had lost their child.

[@amanda3920]

Cristine being worried about Australians being upset in the comments about Ben's misinformation is hilarious. She's obviously never heard of drop bears. I swear it's an Australian pastime trying to see what outlandish things they can convince the rest of the world about next.

[@anadacosta4043]

Australians do that? That is hilarious, did any fake rumour take off?

[@lj6055]

Drop bears are a serious threat. My uncle was mauled by one when he was camping on Stradbroke!

[@m3piggy844]

Yeah you really have to watch out for the drop bears! Just as much as the snakes and spiders

[@jumanji5356]

Bloody drop bear ate me dog last summer!

[@ceg8677]

@@anadacosta4043 I'm Australian: I heard of a group of Aussie back packers inventing, and then teaching people the phrase "well, I'm not here to fuck spiders", meaning 'let's quit wasting time'/'let's just do it'/'why not? what else would we do?' Fast forward 5 years, and I hear Jenna Marbles' friend/manager Rome (an Aussie) use the saying in a random vlog hahahah Drop bears, though, are an issue. Tourists tend to mistake them for koalas...

[@AngeliqueGeorges]

I'm sure someone else in the comments already answered this, but the "straight to the pool room" line doesn't mean swimming pool, it means pool table, so it's essentially something you'd hear someone's dad say, like he's going to put whatever it is on display in his man cave. It's a line from the classic Aussie film "The Castle" - 10/10 recommend for some A+ accents and Aussie phrases!!

[@Amandicure21]

I too have never heard of wombat crossing but "straight to the pool room" is surely now a national phrase..... it's the vibe... it's Mabo!

[@crimsonlemures5295]

@@Dghfghdfhjdryjdghjtsyjdfhghj A wombat crossing, is like a zebra crossing but its raised, so its liike a speed bump and zebra crossing mashed together.

[@elleeeish407]

Ahhh the serenity...

[@stephhasquirks]

I recommend bringing Cristine to Australia during slightly colder weather so that she doesn't have to worry as much about the snakes and spiders. You guys should definitely explore Melbourne and there are definitely some specialty tea cafes around that you could find.

[@EmotionalSupportCapybara]

On the left/right driving thing: most countries in the world drive on the right, only former British colonies drive on the left (and Japan). Europe-wise its only Malta, Cyprus, Ireland and the UK.

[@siddheshgandhi7668]

Thailand too!

[@thetheatricallinguist]

I read somewhere driving on the left is because you'd have your sword/lance in your right hand!

[@Aurayio]

@@thetheatricallinguist also i've read that some countries did this, just to be edgy and against the british empire :D

[@asiboe]

@@Aurayio I’ve heard it had something to do with napoleon! either he wanting to go against the British empire or the British empire going against napoleon, I don’t remember which one it was

[@JudyCZ]

It's really a fascinating part of history. My country (the Czech Republic, at the time Czechoslovakia) switched because of Adolt Hitler after we got invaded.

[@shanleighhh]

Canberra being described as the “sleepy government town” is the most accurate description I’ve ever heard

[@rainbowcactus6774]

I've also seen it described as 'well manicured hell' if you're broke or even just have a job that pays under the extremely high average wage there. That's one reason I left, still miss it tho.

[@katejohns3284]

Shout out to the Canbearans! 💕

[@MissKoalaFace]

@@katejohns3284 shout out to the Ken Behrens!

[@DansTrash98]

👏🏼

[@jenwinks3001]

So true lol

[@Chloes_nails088]

As an Aussie, I’m flattered to be apart of the 2%😂 can also confirm that I hadn’t heard of half of those slang terms. I’d love to see you do another Aussie slang quiz, maybe us aussies can create one 😂 I feel like us aussies also need to record ourselves talking normally in a conversation so Cristine can hear our accent. 😂 fun fact: we have an Aussie holo taco down under facebook group too

[@sbrucemoose]

Ben: I'm not trying to offend anyone Also Ben: these people are unhinged 😂

[@jk-qd8sb]

I’m 34 years old and I’ve lived in Australia all my life. I’ve never heard of a wombat crossing but a zebra crossing is definitely a thing! Poor Lindy Chamberlain was acquitted of murdering her baby after decades of being accused and also ridiculed. Many Australians won’t joke about “a dingo ate my baby” just because of the awful circumstances and veritable torture the country (world?) put her through.

[@tinebla1293]

We call it zebra crossing in German too! The pedestrian crossings are marked by thick white stripes across the road here so that's what I always thought was the reason for that. So funny to find those similarities across languages though!

[@courtneyquinn3188]

Zebra Crossing in NZ too. White stripes on black roads. Funnily though I HAVE heard Australians call it a Wombat Crossing haha.

[@jj-if6it]

I also appreciate Ben explaining the "dingo ate my baby" quote. I wish people would stop using it as it's making fun of a horrible and tragic event - since when is baby death funny!

[@kittycie5506]

I am an Aussie to, always called it a zebra crossing not a wombat crossing.

[@hayleylsomerfield]

Aussie chiming in here too. I dont actively call it a Wombat crossing, but I know what a wombat crossing is, based on growing up and my parents using that lingo. Wombat is a nickname for someone being silly as well. Can't say Ive ever called it a zebra crossing, just a pedestrian crossing usually.

[@jackiecat101XD]

Bereavement specialist here: EVERYONE does it differently. There’s no one size fits all. We love you and respect whatever you need ❤️❤️

[@emilyshepherd2190]

Tasmanian here, despite the sad reason that you had to return to Australia I hope Australians, Tasmanians and Hobartians treated you and your family well Ben. I’m so sorry for your loss. If there’s anything we can do to help let us know. We’re happy to have you back. Wishing you all the love and support ❤️

[@niamhkelly6859]

I'm sure Menchie knew Ben was struggling a bit to talk at the start and came over to comfort him ❤

[@siggyswatches]

Cristine: “YeEeEeEeeeeeah!” Also Cristine: “Is this an ✨Australian✨ accent?”

[@ranniesd]

I’m crying watching the beginning of this Ben, I can’t imagine the pain of losing a parent relatively young. Sending lots of love ❤️

[@peacechickification]

Right? Especially after not having seen them for a while because of the pandemic. I’m so sorry that they’ve both had to deal with that type of grief in a hard enough year as it is. My heart is really with them.

[@blobfish.]

Kangaroos are nightmares for driving at night time, especially around dusk/dawn. I have had to slam the brakes on more times than I can count. A few weeks ago I had one jump in front of my car on a skinny road and then continue to slowly hop long in front of me instead of getting off the road 😂 It took me at least a minute to get past him, it was like he was purposely trying to be annoying!

[@chellewilson7730]

Or they jump into your car 🤦🏼‍♀️ bastard didn't even leave his insurance details 🤣

[@marissanewman9273]

Had one at my front door a couple years back, we lived in an urban residential area so I was so shocked

[@nnssr]

I’m honoured to be apart of the 2% viewers from Australia. Im sorry for you loss Ben i know what’s it’s like to lose a mum. Thank you for sharing us about how you’re feeling Ben , always know that you can take your time and we love you :)

[@TheMissBeki]

LOL as an Aussie .. watching you guys do the quizz is actually very entertaining .. Just as an FYI .. A pool room is actually a room where people play pool aka billiards or a snooker type game ( not sure what you guys call it ) , rather than a swimming pool LOL .. where they usually decorate it with trophies and memorabilia and very "valuable" items lol As stated in the comments .. it originates from a quote from a movie called "The Castle" which is an Aussie Film with a huge cult following. Worth a watch if you would like to immerse yourself in some wholesome old school Aussie humour.

[@leahbelieva]

I feel like an old word for it in America is a “pool hall.” But I don’t think many, if any, pool designated businesses exist anymore. You’ll find them in bars and bowling alleys

[@kirstenhouten5524]

I think the closest thing we’d call it is a study. Or if it has a pool table, it’s probably a man-cave or gameroom/play room :p

[@melpinay]

The phrase entered the common lexicon after the classic Australian movie, The Castle. Also, pools are fairly common in the warmer climates but it's cold in places like Canberra. You can even go skiing in parts of Australia where it snows!

[@brodieclapperton-craig898]

Yep the pool room has nothing to do with swimming hehe - Ben and Cristine you need to watch The Castle!

[@stephhasquirks]

Them speculating about the pool room had me in stiches. I think like 1 in every 5-10 people have a pool depending on where you live. I think everyone at least has a friend with a pool even if you don't yourself. You're more likely to have a pool if you live in a more wealthy suburban area or a hotter location. But having an actually pool table in its own room now THATS living.

[@TonyYeungExe]

The moment when Ben talked about his mom... It is very emotional and touching.

[@georgiebright986]

I love how Ben's all over Australia, killing it with the jokes and hitting with the facts and Cristine's like: "Two hour drive to Canberra" 😁

[@esmeraldagreengate4354]

A few years ago my neighbours family was planning a trip over here from England. We had to get out goggle maps to prove that you absolutely cannot drive from Melbourne to Brisbane, sight see and drive back in one day. They thought it would only take a couple hours 😬

[@wolfferoni]

@@esmeraldagreengate4354 Lol yeah a lot of people don't realise just how big Australia is

[@PeppyDoABarrelRoll]

All the Aussies are cheering on Ben's attitude this podcast because he has mastered our sarcasm and lying. *You need to watch "The Castle" From 1997* It is the basis for all the stereotypical Australian slang and society.

[@DrAgOn_KiTtY626]

It’s…. The vibe, it’s Mabo it’s, yeah. I don’t know Roman numerals!

[@mlejb4]

People talking about Australia always makes me feel a little star struck haha. It also makes me really sad when people say that the flight to Australia is so long 😅😭 that's us flying to most places!

[@jj-if6it]

Yeah it's not a big deal, we have to travel for longer than that anytime we visit Europe or America. People shouldn't use it as an excuse to not travel - otherwise how else are you going to see the world?

[@mlejb4]

@@jl2280 that's true! We are very lucky there! And so close to New Zealand 😍😍😍😍

[@xnikeexxx]

@@jj-if6it thing is, in the time I could fly to Australia, I'd be able to visit half of europe (plus flying to Australia is very expensive sadly)

[@jj-if6it]

@@xnikeexxx yes true but life is long so why not see it one day. I didn't go overseas until I was 22, and I was on minimum wage but managed to save up my money and go to Europe!

[@xnikeexxx]

@@jj-if6it true! I'd just rather first visit some more European countries, because that allows me to travel and see other places without spending literal thousands of euros 😂

[@cadegranger4602]

“Well, I don’t know how many pools there are per capita” startled a laugh out of me and I don’t know why lmao ♥️

[@0pempuszek027]

I'm sending you lots of love from Poland. Thank you for caring so much for our neighbours but also for us. Even tho we're not under direct attack, we too live in stress and fear, because the center of the war is like 500km from where I live, to people who live beside the border its even more stressful. We're helping and welcoming so many refugees. There are raises(in schools, city halls, shops) , volunteers, fund. Every one of us is giving as much as they can to the people who need it the most. We're just hoping they won't attack us cause of NATO and stuff, but if they were to start a world war three, we would be the first to defy. People have taken their money from banks and store it in cash in their homes, some exchange it to euro) in case we may have to run away from our homes. I don't think our president or the government would be behaving like the president of Ukraine (what big balls he has!) so.... Love you guys, I wish you being happy and healthy. I love listening to you, I'm impressed of how openminded you guys are and how well you have things thought through. It broadens my perspective on many different subjects. Thank you for being so kind and loving 😘😘😘

[@katie18976]

Sending you lots of love and positive thoughts from Estonia 🇪🇪❤️ People here are also scared but helping Ukraine 🇺🇦 anyway they can through charities and donations for people and animals as well. Let us all pray that this will war will end soon 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@BootstrapsBootstraps]

Stay safe and take care ❤

[@oliaherus474]

I immensely thankful to Poland and Baltic states for support. That can’t be even described properly 🥹🥹 greetings from Lviv ❤️

[@sbrucemoose]

Quokkas! Tiny adorable marsupials that aren't scared of humans, well worth the trip

[@h311dr1p]

one of my favorite things is when ben explains something to cristine, whether it’s a real thing like the source of the dingo ate my baby phrase or when he explained star wars to her lmao. it’s just so funny to see her analytical reactions to things. another episode with that sort of structure would be fun!

[@beccathenoodle]

For the next podcast you should read out ingredients and guess the recipe! Jenna&Julien did an episode like that once and I loved it!

[@BekaLei]

Yessss. The goofy J&J podcasts were amazing and I think Cris & Ben's personalities are so different that they could do quite a few of those same things without it being too much of a copy.

[@alesiatsiamruk4056]

Yes, great idea I was just rewatching these episodes of jnj :3

[@violethell411]

I’m still not over Julen’s GRUEL 😭😭😁😁

[@Danni_rb]

I'm Australian and i have never heard of a lot of those phrases in that dialect quiz.... Like Wombat crossing... what no. I'd actually just say a wombat crossing is for, you know, wombats... Ive almost hit enough of them for that to make sense lol

[@MLB021285]

I‘m so sorry about your loss, Ben. I just found out Cristine’s Dad passed as well. I‘m devastated. He was so much fun to watch and you could really tell he adored his daughters. I‘ve lost a child, but I haven’t lost a parent, yet. This must be very hard to deal with. All the love to you and your families.

[@TonyYeungExe]

uplifting topics: - The fun moments in high school and college - Meme reviews from reddit - Reading amazon products review

[@RealBradMiller]

Jet lag is one of the weirdest feelings, your brain is just like "why daytime?!" 😂😂😂

[@DrAgOn_KiTtY626]

Omg, as an Aussie, hearing beyyyn say “strait to the pool room” made me so excited, like “omg the creator of this quiz knows the castle!! ( the castle is a hilarious Aussie movie)

[@stephhasquirks]

Cristine: "You know the tool in the toilet that pulls the water down" Lol modern toilets are literally called gravity toilets because there is no mechanical device that flushes the toilet its just gravity pulling the water from the cistern into the toilet bowl with enough force that the water and waste already in the toilet is pulled down the drain. Interesting fact is that while in the NH and SH water whirlpools in opposite directions, if you stand exactly on the equator water will not whirlpool at all and instead will drain directly down. There are plenty of video demonstrations on KZbin if you do a quick search.

[@MathPiHanan]

Welcome back Ben 💜💜💜

[@cadycastle9957]

Menchie trying to give Ben love when she heard him talking about his mom and cracking up a little bit. 💜💚💜

[@sanduzzi]

Visited Australia 6 years ago, loved it. I held/hugged a koala, fed kangaroos, enjoyed their beaches, all the different types of animals and plants we don’t normally see or have in north amercia. I would love to visit again.

[@kweeniepiez]

dated an Aussie once who would laugh his head off anytime he was able to convince American tourists that he was a professional "shoo-er" who shoo's kangaroos off the Sydney bridge lol

[@chellewilson7730]

🤣🤣🤣 OMG that made me laugh so much as an Aussie. We sure know how to bullshit.

[@MentallyHellthy]

Why did I first think you meant shoes?

[@andievecchione9315]

Ben, you do what you need to do, when you feel like doing it. My parents passed a month apart from each other and before & after was crazy for months due to various things, like inheriting a 65lb pit bull as my first dog, and I just kind of went with the flow. Honestly, I was very numb for a while after the emotional roller coaster and I'm ok with that. It's been 8 years and I'm still dealing and grieving in different ways. You will get through this with the support of your friends & loved ones and any other help you seek out. It's not easy but you are in my thoughts.

[@StephMacDonald1031]

It was tough for me when my dad died. I cannot imagine losing both my parents in the span of two months. I hope you are healing from that pain. ❤️

[@katrinadalgleish5131]

As an Australian. You should visit, it is great. It actually does get cold in the winter at least where I live. In winter it is minus 5 celcius at the most cold. And wombats are slow thats why we call pedestrian crossings wombat ones

[@imnotdead0987]

Minus 5!? Tassie or the ranges?

[@Harri_Jay_Kay]

Canada gets into minus double figures so I think Ben and Cristine could cope with minus 5

[@luckycricket5600]

Jeepers, we are lucky to drop lower than 9 degrees in the gold coast 😆

[@dayzyrules1]

I personally love the ones where you guys both do a quiz. maybe you could play are you smarter than a 5th grader games or something? landmark quizzes maybe? 20 questions? just throwing stuff out there that could be FUN

[@jennyxsue]

Welcome back Ben and Holo Cristine 🤩❤️ For the 100th podcast episode, it would be really cool if you invited both Matt and Jen and all four of you are in the same room with Menchie and Zyler! You could reflect on the episodes that they've appeared on and talk about fun family events/memories/experiences. Or even something silly like the ultimate Reddit relationship advice to keep it lighthearted! Just throwing ideas around but hope that helps and looking forward to the next podcast as always! Sending love from the UK 🇬🇧

[@moyetlicious]

Oh! Forgot to make a suggestion. Why not go to one of those "good news" accounts (I think they're on Twitter or Instagram) and choose some good news from their recent feeds to explore on the pod? From what I recall it's usually things like endangered species breeding program successes and the like, pretty nice to hear about when it feels like nuclear annihilation is imminent.

[@aarontheabc]

As an Australian, this was hilarious 😂❤👏Australia also has Quokkas, they are the cutest

[@ninidagul805]

I loooove quokkas!!!!

[@rainbowcactus6774]

I forgot about quokkas!! (I've been living abroad for over a decade)..I wonder if quokka is allowed in Scrabble 👀

[@icystorm9968]

Hi Ben, i missed hearing you talk, really glad to see you back. Wishing you great mental health and happiness ❤️

[@jemhugen5585]

The pause after “what’s in Tasmania” had me screaming 😂 with love from a Tasmanian hahahahah

[@MathPiHanan]

Yes! Another Seinfeld reference! That’s how you know Ben is back 😂

[@eduardosaldana6074]

Ben deserves a real vacation Cristine!! As do you!! Imagine swatching new nail polish on the beach in natural sun lighting think of the pictures!! Lol

[@dianaroodkerk6621]

East coast it nothing but floors and rain at the moment, there not expected sun for a while at the moment

[@jj-if6it]

@@dianaroodkerk6621 Melbourne is fine...

[@esmeraldagreengate4354]

@@jj-if6it I think they would love Melbourne

[@Fleurig]

Reasons to go to Straya: scuba diving or snorkeling at the great barrier reef, visit the beautiful Whitsundays islands, feed a kangaroo, see cute quokkas at rottnest island, Sydney opera house, visit one of many brewery’s …. Ideas for uplifting podcast: ask people to send pictures of their pets and rate them - or ask people to say what they like most about the podcast and why 😊

[@KateDiotte]

I'd like to see a podcast with you, Ben, Jen, and Matt playing old board games.

[@FukaiKokoro]

Look at menchie!! What a great therapy cat. I have a cat that when she sees me going into a ptsd or anxiety attack she does everything on her power to get me to focus on her and not my feelings. Just to distract me long enough to start to feel better. Cats are amazing at helping people. I have three cats but this one is special. Her name is Zoey. And she’s the sweetest cat ever. She also loves when I sing. She’ll almost get emotional and start tapping at me. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@VexedAngel]

I used to have a cat that did the same for me. So amazing. ❤️

[@Silieol_Nails]

I love that Aussie slang quiz. No one in Australia talks like that, except for maybe the goon bag, tie one on a Hills Hoyce for a traditional summer afternoon. For the Pool Room question, it's from a movie called the Castle, and Aussie icon, pool room refers to a room with a pool table, not a swimming pool. I'd happily offer my services if you want to practice your Aussie accent or learn some real slang.

[@irinam31]

I knew pool room from Castle but didn't realize it's a reference! Love it

[@lindabodewes7824]

Oh man, I should watch the castle again. None of my friends in the UK understand the reference when I say. Tell him he’s dreaming.

[@irinam31]

We say that in my house a lot. And I'm an ideas man

[@jj-if6it]

I've never heard of the 'rurusexual' or whatever it was

[@hayleylsomerfield]

@@irinam31 I say I'm an ideas man a lot! I forgot thats where it came from haha

[@Gillhawk]

Ben! You are the main reason I watch this podcast. Condolences!

[@Rachelohplzz]

Only love and respect for Ben and his family and the space they need to heal🖤 I lost my dad recently and I only talk about it with my therapist- no one else is entitled to have access to that part of me and I’m very comfortable with that

[@LauraLalocuraEstaenm]

Welcome back Ben! Just fyi - in Europe most of us drive on the same side as americans hahah I think it's just England where they drive on the opposite side

[@Hiforest]

The UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) drive on the left and also Ireland, Cyprus and Malta too. Most of Europe drive on the right though.

[@Silieol_Nails]

As an Aussie who loves to travel, I highly recommend trying to break up the flights if you can. I've been to America a couple of times and it's so much better stopping at Hawaii for a couple of days on the way. Australia is a beautiful place, definitely worth the flight. Good to see you back Ben, really appreciate you sharing your trip with us.

[@samanthaglassen2389]

I feel this. My mother In law just passed away suddenly and was also a hoarder. The emotional roller coaster when someone keeps every paper in their life. From dentist bills, to love letters, argument letters, acceptance letters to Ivy League schools she never went to or mentioned... we found it all 😬 you guys, throw out your papers, for your kids sake, it's too much. Even the touching moments that were found, they just make it hard to throw things away. You can't win with it, you feel guilty either way 😭

[@radrachael]

As an Australian, this podcast was both hilarious and frustrating hehe. Also sending love to Ben 💗

[@id3389]

Knowing Cristine hasn’t been outside of North America makes me feel better about never having left Europe before 😂

[@orimengu]

but Europe has like 44 countries and North America has 3 lmao

[@anadacosta4043]

I have never left Europe either!

[@Alertse]

As someone who has been very fortunate to travel a lot, you get a lot of the same diversity in experiences just travelling within your province/state let alone going to others. Because of immigration you get unique architecture, food references and language etc. in each place you visit. In Canada alone you get the same changes in scenery as going from England all the way to the Swiss Alps in one province. I still love to travel internationally but there are so many amazing places I haven't been to in my own province let alone country.

[@lauvasquez8030]

@Megan L Visit South America and the Caribbean! There's a whole beautiful continent right belows yours that you could visit and it's not nearly as expensive as Europe or Asia.

[@jj-if6it]

@Megan L Yes but Cristine hasn't travelled because she doesn't want to, not because of money issues. They have heaps of money! I personally find it really weird if someone has no desire to ever go anywhere or experience other cultures.

[@ekaterinasavosteeva9755]

Thank you, Christine and Ben, to acknowledge that you couldn't even imagine a war happening in 2022 That's so true... I'm from Russia and I also didn't see it coming, that is so awful to witness a war((( of course, I don't understand anything about politics too Anyway, you were right to acknowledge that there are many Russians who don't support the war, but it's possible to protest only outside Russia, otherwise you will end up in jail. But that's not what I wanted to say... I'm frustrated with how a lot of things that are done by both sides of conflict and by international community are just feeding this war, making it continue and I hate this so much. I wish the call for action would be JUST STOP. This is a tragedy our grandchildren would suffer from, not just us... And I don't want to lose being a part of the world, I've felt for so long connected and involved, citizen of the world...and I feel from now on we'll be shut off like in Soviet times, and this is awful. I'm so glad I still can watch KZbin, I'm so used to living on the English speaking side of it, but who knows what happens tomorrow Sorry for my long speech, I'm sorry but I felt like sharing a bit of my terror and frustration I'm all for a lighthearted topic on the pod)) let there be light even in the darkest times UPD: Thank you guys so much for all your likes and words of support. Even when we are cut off the Internet (there are opinions it will really happen, like physically no longer connected to international Web), know that it's against our wish and we still want to belong. I predict another Iron curtain again, google what it means if you don't know, our country already went through this shit and it was terrible for cooperation with the world. I never thought I would travel back in time to not at all fun time...

[@billyjean3118]

I think there’s only one side feeding the war - Putin and his evil government. I hope they bite the dust soon for everybody’s sake.

[@critter.]

@@billyjean3118 And media/news is a big culprit, spreading misinformation etc. But yes it’s Putin’s war, not Russia’s war!

[@billyjean3118]

@@critter. yes, Russian media is a big culprit, nothing but government propaganda, can’t believe there are people who actually swallow it

[@nrosenchtejer]

I'm so sorry for all of you who are living this. At the end of the day, innocent people, workers, families are paying for this war with their own lives or livelihoods on both sides (more one than the other but still) because of an insane and tyrannical government... It's just impossible to believe or understand what you're all living through in 2022. I pray this ends SOON

[@folded_pizza]

@@billyjean3118 I wish that was true. However, a few days ago when Russia threatened to stop exporting gas to certain countries (including my own) I heard that the new alleged supplier for my country would be X company, owned by Biden (I heard Biden Jr., I'm not sure if it's Joe of a son of his, but does that make any difference?) Only the rich benefit from war. That's why they don't end it.

[@Kiarnii]

As an Australian this was one of the most entertaining podcasts I've seen in a while hahaha

[@jj-if6it]

Thinking of you Ben. I'm glad that you were able to spend time with your family and even though it was under difficult circumstances I hope you had a nice time in our beautiful country.

[@ShannonMorse]

I've cried on camera more than once after losing people. It's awkward and vulnerable and weird. You deserve privacy as much as anyone else and we don't need to know anything. Sending hearts! 💕 So sorry for your loss.

[@meeples7599]

I’m so glad you mentioned Tim Tams! I spent a month in Australia one summer during college that was half volunteer work and half fun and our program directors showed us how to bite off each end of the Tim Tam and suck warm Milo up through it to create a melty, delicious treat. They sell both in the States now and I had to show my husband when I saw them in the grocery store for the first time. Just one of many wonderful memories of that month! I’d go back to Australia in a heartbeat. So worth the long flight.

[@mlejb4]

A Tim Tam slam!

[@lj6055]

A tim tam slam with twinnings english breakfast and the tim tams with caramel in the middle? Absolute chef's kiss moment

[@simbelsim]

That's a Tim Tam slam! Works really well with coffee too

[@Christmas52]

Would just like to clarify, many "Pool rooms" so not actually contain a swimming pool. Its a reference from Aussie movie 'The Castle' where the item was taken to the room with the billiards table. Often these rooms are treated also like trophy rooms.

[@nibbynibz]

Love both of you so much!!!

[@Char10tt3_]

I lost my parents unexpectedly a few years ago, do whatever you need to do to get through it. Sending you all the love 💛

[@Jonatrus]

❤️ to Ben. You absolutely don't need to share your personal life!

[@chupachuplover]

My first time visiting the Northern Hemisphere was like entering an alternate universe, especially while in an English-speaking country. So much the same, but also plenty different. It's quite interesting how 'newer' countries like Canada/USA/Australia compare. Come down under Cristine and have a unique experience! I've never come across any terrifying spiders (only because I actively avoid it), but I have seen so many adorable native animals that you couldn't find any where else!

[@UKChloeT]

Excellent podcast, thanks guys xx

[@Blue-iv5fv]

"you don't need me around, you want me around" THIS ❤ this is what i would like if i ever fall in love with a human person.

[@Anneginge]

The toilet flushing the other way is an urban myth! It just depends on the design of the toilet. You’re right that the wind goes in the other direction though in the Southern Hemisphere. So a hurricane will turn the other way. 🌪

[@mlejb4]

Majority of toilets in Australia don't even flush in a circle 😅

[@telectura1417]

grate show, just the one to relax to!

[@alwaysemilia]

All the hearts to you, Ben 💕

[@mrspokitstheriot477]

Ben taking in the beginning, petting Menchie got me thinking "just keep petting the furry princess. It helps. Theyre magic."

[@makeupmymind3264]

I’m so sorry for your loss Ben . I can really hear the pain in your voice. You don’t have to speak on it . We love you please take care

[@tudsissjxjnddjsksc12]

thank you for the podcast. :)

[@zivens.2407]

Welcome back, and lots of love Ben! ❤️

[@Jellylover11]

omg i feel like i've never seen Ben have so much fun than in this episode, just messing with Cristine. She's adorable taking everything so seriously and Ben's hilarious!

[@stevie8697]

Cristine “the Australians are yelling at you in the comments”. Yes, yes we are 😆

[@flordeespinart]

all the hearts go out to you and your family Ben!!

[@jono7450]

So sorry for your loss Ben, sending you so much love xx

[@SP-zw3om]

It breaks my heart you and Cristine are going through these losses but I feel this. My bf and I are 34-35 and his mother has cancer and my father is 75 and in failing health. It’s the worst part of time to go through.

[@rainbowcactus6774]

Hello, former Canberran here, woo! Thanks for explaining the saying. Australian millennials grew up around the story, the wife Lindy Chamberlain was extremely publicly vilified and gaslit and only found innocent in 2012, so a lot of us won't joke about it or quote it lightly.

[@jenab0323]

Sending all of my love to you Ben. No words are needed.

[@onegr8dancer]

I just wanted to mention that the two of you as a pair is so nice. You can really tell you care a lot about each other and it’s refreshing to see/hear nice conversation as opposed to the drama I hear at work. Like Cristine said, you don’t need to tell us anything, you don’t owe us anything. I’m so sorry for your and your family’s loss and I wish you all peace, comfort, and healing.

[@ivana93]

Welcome back Beyyyn!! You don't have to give us any details about anything. We're just glad to see you back. Sending all the love and hugs. ❤❤❤

[@Zizalaonfire]

So, for the driving on differents sides of the road - left sided driving was the first way to drive, it goes back to the ancient rome times. But in the medieval and renessaince times, some countries such as France swiched to the right side. The first car was made in Germany, it was a mercedes. And no, most of Europe is right sided, England is an exception

[@helenahay4958]

Thank you! As a Brit I didn’t appreciate all of Europe being lumped as left hand drive when we have to mentally shift up every time we go on holiday 😂😂😂😘😘😘

[@nicknelson816]

Take all the time you need, ben 💙💙💙

[@lilstarshard]

ALL THE LOVE TO YOU BEN! ❤️

[@tumblybee8235]

Regarding Russia-Ukraine war, i feel like you giving a platform to someone who is knowledgeable and/or is related to the situation there would be a perfect balance between talking about it and not just being a “this is awful” kind of discussion. The politics of it, the history and the economical part are important when talking about it, especially when there’s not much of this analysis-type information going around. Even i - and i’m just one russian girl living in EU watching this unfold all the way from 2014 and see my friends from both sides of the conflict getting the short stick one after another - would have a lot to discuss on the matter, i’m sure there are many more much knowledgeable than me who would be able to present both sides of this conflict in an objective way And a side-note, honestly i would totally watch the end of the world podcast. Especially in these times. That’s better than doomscrolling through twitter and news sites to catch the latest information on what’s happening now

[@hollydancergirl5592]

Anybody else so in love with how menchie was trying to calm and comfort ben in the intro? Cats know whats up.

[@jenniferfoerster1621]

Sending love to Ben, your family. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@liz54321]

💚💚 glad to see the whole family is there for Ben