StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 86. This week is part two of a three-part series on Andre's schooling and college years. This time: boarding school, what learning was like in a specialist environment, navigating new areas, rowing from the middle of nowhere back to civilization and much more. If you'd like to check out Andre's accessible program for reading temperatures and controling fan speeds for windows, you can find that here: https://github.com/OnjLouis/accessible-sensor-readout Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Urban birds are more scared of women than men –but scientists don’t know why' https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/urban-birds-pigeons-women-men-study-b2966959.html Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 85. This week we delve into Andre's younger years at nursery and day school, how he was taught to navigate the world, touch-typing, learning to tell the time using analogue clocks, and for some reason, Shell suits? Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'California man arrested for allegedly swapping in pasta for Lego pieces then returning them' https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/21/california-lego-pasta-swap-arrest Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 84. This week we discuss the potential pitfalls and scenarios around owning a self-driving car as a blind person. Andre's all for it and wants the ability to get to gigs (near and far) without the expensive concern over cab fairs, but Kirsten is more reserved and considers the 'What If' issues more. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'A man was injured after getting his head stuck in a dinosaur model’s mouth' https://youtube.com/shorts/Hu7rUjziZsY?si=PBpQ3XQ3DegoGUDS Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 83. This week we discuss the ideas behind a good marriage, as this episode airs on the eve of Kirsten and Andre's 17th wedding anniversary. The title 'What does it mean to you?' is about the overall thoughts, feelings and experiences of what a good relationship should stand for, how we achieve it, and the understanding that good communication can make or break it. Handle with care. British Telecom's slogan used to be 'It's good to talk' and that is definitely true here. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Edinburgh children paint special pebbles for penguins' https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/news/edinburgh-children-paint-special-pebbles-penguins-0 Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 82. This week we're discussing what it would be like if your partner's family didn't like you, and how difficult it might be to keep everyone happy. The likely resentment it would cause and the difficulty in trying to keep people happy could well cause a breakup. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Chinese national charged for trying to smuggle 2,000 ants out of Kenya' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1mjmg0ymk9o Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 81. This week we're discussing the decision behind an influencer photographing her daughter's coffin and sharing that to social media, whether such things are potentially oversharing, or whether it's letting others know that grief is OK and doesn't need to be hidden. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Over 400,000 KitKats STOLEN in heist as shoppers warned of Easter shortage' https://apple.news/AQ1FsxLMeS6SXB6h7dE_6hg Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 80. This week we delve into a bit of a minefield. Andre asked on Mastodon and Facebook about rude/ridiculous/silly things that people have said to those of us with disabilities and the responses were staggering. From comments like 'You're blind so you must be Muslim' to 'They shouldn't be allowed out,' this episode may make you spit nails, you have been warned. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Creepy humanoid robot 'arrested' by police after sneaking up on old lady' https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/creepy-humanoid-robot-arrested-police-36873565 Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 79. This week we discuss what it's like being apart for an extended period of time, ie when one of us is on holiday without the other, separation anxiety and all the strange, unusual noises that happen in the house when there are fewer people in it. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Cannibal jellyfish have invaded one of the most visited cities in Europe' https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/01/cannibalistic-jellyfish-invaded-one-visited-cities-europe-26650285/amp/ Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 78. This week we discuss the joys of visiting the UK job centre, which is the place responsible for getting people into work. We talk about the inaccessible form that Kirsten had to fill out on Andre's behalf because it was on many sheets of paper, and the two not so great experiences they had when attending an in-person meeting to prove that yes, Andre is indeed still blind and that it will never change. Our Stroonge News story of the week: ''I was rushed to hospital after my body turned blue'' https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/i-rushed-hospital-after-waking-33562265 Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 77. This week we discuss foods of the passed. Things we ate as children (and honestly probably shouldn't have) but we enjoyed them at the time. From plastic straws with almost raw sugar inside, to sweets in the shape of bugs containing liquid that burst when you bit into them, these are the memories of foods gone by. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Squirrel blamed for government Internet outage in Ohio county' https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/03/03/Medina-County-Ohio-Internet-outage-squirrel/6141772543216/ Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 76. This week we discuss 'Old wives' tales, sayings of popular wisdom (usually incorrect) passed down from generation to generation. From wearing high heels causing your baby to be cross-eyed, to wet hair being responsible for making you sick and more. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Watch robber break into jewellery store using forklift before fleeing on donkey' https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/38188413/brazen-jewellery-thief-flees-donkey-after-forklift-gold-raid/ Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 75. This week we discuss the idea behind overconsumption and what we can do as a society to combat it, even in small ways. From donating food and clothing to friends and family or charity, to reselling old electronics or paying someone to fix them if needed, there's at least one thing to try and better this planet we call home. Stay to the very end for a post-podcast chat about EWaste, electronics, fixing things and saving old products from just being dumped. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Delivery driver abandons van on 'deadliest footpath' swallowed by sea' https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/38233162/amazon-driver-van-deadly-footpath-sea/ Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 74. This week we discuss 'Triskaidekaphobia' or the fear of the number 13. As this episode lands on Friday The Thirteenth it felt like a good time to break down some of the superstitions around the number, the day, how it's had a cultural impact on society, and the fact that other places around the world have superstitions about different numbers that are not thirteen at all. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'American dad woke up from surgery fluent in Spanish' https://www.ladbible.com/news/world-news/us-dad-speaking-spanish-after-operation-explained-130199-20260106AAEelY_r6zPcscbx0KwS9ze0-PFtY3NJ5ucTeUc1oSVFj_mHiDazzQGYYnImWv0_aem_HeJnPgpgK3bOzMrnQWCXyw Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 73. This week Kirsten found a series of questions that you ask your partner. Andre had no idea about them in advance, so reacts to them directly. He chose not to find out before-hand so the answers felt more real. Perhaps try posing them to your significant other (or maybe best friend) to see what they have to say about you. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Hospital evacuated by bomb squad after man arrives with WW1 shell up his bum' https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/hospital-evacuated-bomb-squad-after-36652856?fbclid=IwdGRleAPvMcxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEelY_r6zPcscbx0KwS9ze0-PFtY3NJ5ucTeUc1oSVFj_mHiDazzQGYYnImWv0_aem_HeJnPgpgK3bOzMrnQWCXyw Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 72. This week we're discussing how we've changed both as a couple and individually. It's hard to see change when you've been together for a long time, but when we actually sat down and talked about it, we did notice some things that we were surprised to realise. Change is so gradual when you live with someone else, that it may not always be glaringly obvious that it's even occurring at all. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'This Hilarious McDonald's Review Is Going Viral' https://www.aol.com/articles/hilarious-mcdonald-review-going-viral-190932647.html Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 71. This week we're discussing whether having a drink when out with friends is necessary and expected, or safe to skip. For those who don't drink, are you considered 'the boring one?' Kirsten doesn't drink very much at all, and Andre may have a drink when out with friends or at a gig, but not always. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Clean-up underway after thousands of bags of chips and onions wash up on beach | ITV News' https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2026-01-19/clean-up-underway-after-thousands-of-bags-of-chips-and-onions-wash-up-on-beach Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 70. This week we're discussing some of the more unusual dreams we've both had, whether dreams have meanings behind them, and what people that have studied dreams in-detail have to say on the subject. Do you ever remember your dreams or do you pass through the night never knowing what your brain was cooking up behind the scenes? Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Beloved walrus penis stolen from N.J. cheesesteak icon. Owner is blubbering mad.' https://www.nj.com/food/2026/01/beloved-walrus-penis-stolen-from-nj-cheesesteak-icon-owner-is-blubbering-mad.html Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 69. This week we're discussing the point at which people stop having children, assuming they have any to begin with. for Andre and Kirsten they decided that two was the right amount, although if they'd have had a larger house and more money, the possibility of another may have been on the cards. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Christmas trees replanted to boost sea defences' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0kxezz63go.amp Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 68. This week we're discussing the idea that when Christmas is done with, it's time to put down the decorations and plan for the year ahead. For us, we like to have it done before January 6, but some wait for the full twelve days before taking everything down. we also talk about the fine gifts we received and the fantastic food we ate over this period, along with thoughts and ideas for 2026. From Andre and Kirsten at StroongeCast, we'd like to wish you all a happy and healthy new year. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Hapless fly-tipper caught after leaving trail of paint in a car park' https://discover.swns.com/2025/12/hapless-fly-tipper-caught-after-leaving-trail-of-paint-in-a-car-park/ Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 67. This week we discuss what you might be watching or listening to this holiday period, be that a favourite film with the family, a book you're hoping to catch up on or perhaps your favourite podcast. Andre and Kirsten would like to wish you a very merry Stroongemas, happy holidays etc and thank you for listening to us. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 66. This week we discuss different Christmas traditions around the world. From a particular fast-food restaurant doing a roaring trade in Japan requiring reservations weeks or sometimes months ahead of time, to roller skating in Caracas, this list may surprise you. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Putin's scientists launch chilling squadron of remote controlled spy pigeons' https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37457386/putin-scientists-launch-chilling-remote-controlled-spy-pigeons/ Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 65. This week we discuss the Australian government's ban on social media for under 16's, the ramifications of the ban, the fact that 'Imaginary Friends' may no longer be imaginary courtesy of Chat GPT as they may still want to find ways to quote unquote 'connect' with people, isolation as a result of being locked out, VPN usage and more. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Swedish firm deploys crows to pick up cigarette butts' https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/01/swedish-crows-pick-up-cigarette-butts-litter Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 64. This week we discuss 'SAD' (Seasonal affective disorder ) in which, during certain parts of the year, you may feel particularly sad about life and the world at-large. We also discuss Kirsten's trip to Copenhagen and the Christmas Market at Tivoli Gardens in Denmark that she visited last weekend with her sister. Some info about SAD: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Some people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/ Please check in with friends, family or a medical professional if you feel like this is something you can relate to and may need help with. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Drunk raccoon goes on the rampage in liquor store before passing out in bathroom' https://apple.news/Alb3qYMN6Rt29lYVX5TZaOA Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 63 of StroongeCast. This week we discuss various kissing scenarios such as public displays of affection, cheek-kisses mostly done by some European countries, whether a father kissing his daughter is acceptable or not and more. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Flamingo missing from Cornwall park appears to be in France' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y0rr0yk11o?app-referrer=deep-link Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 62 of StroongeCast. This week we discuss the bad builders, the lazy workmen, the unthinking delivery people that don't leave things as they found them. From bath sponges as drain cleaners, to drinking cups as paint stirring devices and more. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Australian prisoner sues for his 'human right' to eat Vegemite' https://apnews.com/article/australia-prison-vegemite-ban-court-victoria-e46084defadc9757c8ecf2f53027d215 Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 61 of StroongeCast. This week we go back to the Talking Hearts cards, as we had a quiet week in one case, and a busy week in another, which didn't give us a chance to find a different topic. The cards gave us some thoughtful or playful questions to ask one another however, which ended up leading down some curious rabbit holes. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'World's biggest spiderweb discovered inside 'Sulfur Cave' with 111,000 arachnids living in pitch black' https://www.livescience.com/animals/spiders/worlds-biggest-spiderweb-discovered-inside-sulfur-cave-with-111-000-arachnids-living-in-pitch-black Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 60 of StroongeCast. This week we discuss the idea of smacking a child as a form of punishment. Is it abuse or discipline? How much is too much? Is any amount required to make a point stick? Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Man Fakes Complete Blindness for Over 50 Years to Collect Disability Payments' https://www.odditycentral.com/news/man-fakes-complete-blindness-for-over-50-years-to-collect-disability-payments.html Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 59 of StroongeCast. This week we discuss the idea behind Trick or Treating, whether it's more of a thing in the US rather than the UK, thoughts on Halloween and our experiences with the supernatural. Our Stroonge News story of the week: "A father who works at a water park in Russia broke in overnight with his son to give the boy a memorable 11th birthday treat.' https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOG2ofejrWA/?igsh=MWdjdWRjeXkwNnZ0bw== Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 58 of StroongeCast. This week we discuss the art of compromise in a relationship, what roll disability plays, the ideas behind parenting and the fact that neither of us drive as this was a major wish for each of us. Kirsten is also suffering from a cold, so we kept the episode short. Our Stroonge News story of the week: 'Meteor strike' on Dublin beach was deep hole dug with plastic spade https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/66841235 Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 57 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss the prevalence of AI in the media, online and elsewhere. It's hard to avoid the topic, as it worms it's way into our daily lives whether we want it to or not. Kirsten discusses it's use in beauty magazines and videos on social media, whilst Andre explains his interest in the music service Suno, and how he uses that service to recreate tracks he's written with AI's help. AI is a cautionary tale, and it's advised that everybody fact-check everything they see, hear and read especially these days. Take everything with a grain of salt. Our Stroonge News story of the week: Surprise at the Race: Meet Ludivine, the Dog Who Ran a Half Marathon | The Running Week https://www.therunningweek.com/post/surprise-at-the-race-meet-ludivine-the-dog-who-ran-a-half-marathon Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 56 of StroongeCast. In this episode we're talking adulting. What's it like? Is it annoying? Why did we ever think that being responsible for buying food would ever be a fun thing to do? Credit cards, yes or no? Were there things that you thought would be fun to do as an adult but now you have to do them, you wish you didn't? Our Stroonge News story of the week: Giant bear crashes ice cream parlour on the hunt for a sweet treat https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15026189/Giant-bear-ice-cream-parlour.html Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 55 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss the control that parents have over their children's phones or tablets. At what age do you give your children a device? Do you give them one at all? The minefield of managing apps for children is a difficult one, and it can be difficult to get a balance between very strict control making your child feel stifled, or zero control allowing them to come across extremely unsafe material that no child should ever see. Our Stroonge News story of the week: Ctrl Alt Deleaf blows away competition as new leaf-busting train name https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgv80mxry1o Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow StroongeCast on Mastodon. https://hear-me.social/@StroongeCast

Welcome to episode 54 of StroongeCast. In this episode we talk about the fact that it's our one-year anniversary of the podcast, how we think it's gone so far, some of the things we may cover in the future, and how Kirsten has grown in confidence over the last year. There was a time when she'd have refused to be on mic at all, but doing this weekly has made it easier for her to talk to you. We also touch on the audio quality of some of our favourite podcasts and how some of them unfortunately fall flat, which is surprising, given the budget that some have access to. Lastly, a new, personalised birthday greeting should you want it. We're starting up a short audio segment called 'Stroonge Cards' which is a personalised greeting from your friends over at StroongeCast that sounds similar to the podcast. If you'd like such a greeting yourself, please get in-touch to tell us when your special day is, so we can record it for you. This of course doesn't go out on the podcast itself, it will be sent to you directly. Thank you for listening to a whole year of StroongeCast. Our Stroonge News story of the week: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz7r0rjzpqgo?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub&app-referrer=deep-link Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 53 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss a video in which a man complains about his partner wearing heels to a party. He feels emasculated, and demands that his now x-girlfriend not go out in heels as it makes her taller than he is. Kirsten and Andre both decided this is a red flag and partners should not attempt to control what the other is wearing unless there is a compelling reason to do so, such as Andre going out in mismatched clothing by mistake, since he cannot see what colours are likely to clash with one another. The video that sparked this episode: https://youtu.be/Bj4ukwylyJQ?si=xYzdMKPbSkJ3Qkcd Our stroonge News article of the week: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjevlpd52vo.amp Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 52 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss ways in which we as parents do our best to set good examples for our children. From not swearing or arguing, to behaving kindly to one another, we think that good manners cost nothing but a little time. Kirsten was on a bus and noticed an angry woman swearing at the bus driver in front of her teen-age sun which sparked this episode. For one thing it's bad manners and for another, it sets a terrible example for that child. By doing so, the mother normalises that behaviour and it may make the child think that it's also okay to do the same things under the same circumstances. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 51 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss the items we used to collect as kids back in the 90's, and some of the more modern trends such as Labubus and Jellycats. Kirsten remembers collecting Pogs and Spice Girl cards, whilst Andre didn't collect much of anything, though he remembers the old beep and bloop LCD games of the late 80's early 90's heard around the school playground. What did you collect as children? Do you collect anything now? Did your parents tell you about anything they collected as children? Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Can you Adam and Eve it? We've made it to episode 50 of StroongeCast! In this episode we tell you about Kirsten's theatre trip to see a murder mystery, Andre tells us about interviewing a famous Steel Pan artist Andy Narell, discuss the local phenomena known as Cockney Rhyming Slang, catch you up on our fun shopping trip and pizza outing and thank all of you for making it to episode 50 with us. It's been a lot of fun and we hope you'll stick around for the next 50. It's also Kirsten's birthday as well. Check out andre's interview with Andy Narell in-full on youtube: https://youtu.be/P1FN9YnfhOc Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 49 of StroongeCast. In this episode we tell you about Kirsten's theatre trip to see 'Stranger Things' live, Penny's broken nail, discuss our favourite ice cream and the fact that Andre probably doesn't dislike it as much as he thought he did, Notting Hill Carnival, Kirsten's birthday and quite a lot more. For more on the Stranger Things theatre show, go here: https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/stranger-things-the-first-shadow-tickets For the BBC article about hot homes featuring Andre, go here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clydlx24ej4o Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 48 of StroongeCast. In this episode we're home after our holiday, and it's a bit of a hard bump back to earth. Between the 31C heat on Tuesday, to the return to normality, it feels a little like it didn't happen at all. We do have all the videos, recordings, photos and memories to prove that it did however. We also have a wish for a much larger bed, since the ship bed spoilt us for how spacious it was. Check out the audio tour of our cabin on youtube: https://youtu.be/KkQZpvKMkFE Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 47 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss the cruise so far, our stops, the ship, the food, the experiences we've had and those we're yet to have. We also find out about a missing bag and Kirsten fainting at the bus stop. The good, the bad, the do's and the don'ts it's all here, with apologies for the different audio this time around as we record on-location. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 46 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss holiday packing plans, methods for keeping sane during high-stress situations where there are many moving parts and making sure you have all the necessary documents to-hand, so there's less worry when you're finally ready to leave home and relax. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 45 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss some of our favourite authors, book series and ideas for future reads. Kirsten reads on Audible and Andre reads EBooks on his PC. They have a few favourite authors in-common and whenever a book from one of them comes out, they like to buy it, read it and then talk about it with each other. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 44 of StroongeCast with our first ever special guest. In this episode we discuss the merits of proper communication in a relationship and how stressful it can sometimes be to make your thoughts understood without offending your partner. Ed tells us about some of the holidays he's been on which caused him to feel claustrophobic and stifled when he'd just like to sit down with a good book and relax, whilst Andre and Kirsten explain the difficulties they had aboard a cruise ship for their tenth wedding anniversary, and how they failed to talk things out properly. Six years has allowed them to look back over that holiday and talk things out better for next time. We'd like to thank Ed Pourtahmasbi for being guest number one on the podcast and hope to have many more in future. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 43 of StroongeCast. In this episode Kirsten explains an article she found in which a woman suffers from severe jealousy due to a medical condition known as Othello Syndrome. We discuss what would cause us to be jealous in our relationship, explain reasons why it doesn't really apply, but also how it may become a problem if the right conditions were ever reached. Some information from the article: The idea of the lie detector test came after Steve made a passing comment about not having done anything wrong, and would "even take a lie detector to prove it," which spurred his wife to make a purchase. This happened right at the beginning of their relationship, when they lived very far away from each other. The source for this episode can be found here: 'World's most jealous woman' demanded husband take lie detector tests after going out https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/sex-relationships/relationships/worlds-most-jealous-woman-demanded-32229531?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 42 of StroongeCast. In this episode Kirsten delves into an article in which a woman expects princess treatment from her husband in restaurants or whenever they're out together as a couple. From ordering her food, to tying her shoelaces, nothing is seemingly off the table. Our opinion is that this behaviour somewhat infantalises a person, and allows them to avoid adult responsibilities in these situations. The couple have children as well, so if this is also continued in the home, it becomes normalised and thus the children may expect it from their partners when older. One of the sources mentioned can be found here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/princess-treatment-tiktok-tradwife_l_6862c98de4b08e0b4a74f03d/amp Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 41 of StroongeCast. In this episode Andre again headed to Mastodon to ask a question of the fediverse. 'What seven things would you absolutely *not* want to eat from a tin?' A lot of answers came in and we also add our own. If you live in a place that adds nasty things to tins you think we should know about, we'd love to know more. Our Stroonge news story of the week: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/wildwood-devon-bears-escape-honey-b2775435.html Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 40 of StroongeCast. In this episode we ask a few questions of one another that your partner should know about you. can you answer these about your partner or friends? How much do you really know? We also talk about the difference in heat between places like the UK and the Caribbean, and the fact that UK houses don't often have AC, so are harder to cool down during hot spells such as the one we're currently under. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 39 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss how difficult it is for Kirsten and Andre to call each other by name when addressing one another directly. Apparently it isn't just us either, but we haven't found a name for this particular phenomenon. When on the phone to friends or family, it seems perfectly normal to do so. We only realised we had this strange problem almost 18 years into our relationship, so we started to research it. We also try to work out why both our TikTok accounts have seemingly been banned from the platform permanently, which is a discovery we made when we woke up this morning. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 38 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss all sorts of Stroonge animal encounters from our own experiences, and those submitted by you. From a sneaky sneezing rat, to a late-night horse-encounter, to a squirrel squirreling itself away behind the radiator, it's all here. Thanks to all the contributors that submitted stories for this episode. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof

Welcome to episode 37 of StroongeCast. In this episode we discuss Andre's birthday and those he shares a birthday with, and hear about some of the crazy experiences Kirsten has had on busses this week and in-general. If you have an unusual public transport story of your own, please share with us. For next week's episode we're also looking for your stroonge animal encounters, be they scary, funny, completely mind-boggling or anything else in-between. Want to hear more or get in-touch? find all of our links on the StroongeCast website. https://onj.me/stroongecast You can also follow us on Mastodon. Kirsten: https://universeodon.com/@Mooncat Andre: https://universeodon.com/@freakyfwoof