Why do Croats lounge over a cup of coffee for hours? What’s the American equivalent to Čokolino? And what’s the deal with mandatory tipping? In this podcast friends and colleagues Gaj Tomaš, a Croat and Cody McClain Brown, an American but nativized Croatian, explore the charming (and less charming) sides of life in their respective countries. In each episode, they’ll tackle a new topic—whether it’s food, healthcare, or measurement units—and compare how it’s seen and experienced in Croatia and the USA.
In this episode, Gaj and Cody tackle the cultural divide in sports between Croatia and the USA. Why are American sports teams tied to schools, while Croatians find their pride in club teams? They unpack America’s obsession with football, basketball, and baseball, while Europe (and especially Croatia) bleeds for soccer—or football, as they’d insist.
Gaj tries to understand the phenomenon of college football, with its massive stadiums and community spirit, while Cody navigates Croatia’s ultras culture, from the fiery loyalty of Hajduk Split fans to the infamous hooliganism of Bad Blue Boys. They dive into the pride Croatians feel for their national team and why sports in the U.S. often seem more about the spectacle than the game itself.
And of course, they tackle the big question: Why do Americans call it soccer? Prepare for laughs, insights, and the ultimate sports culture showdown.
3 Dec 2024
Universities
In this episode, Gaj and Cody compare the academic landscapes of Croatia and the U.S., uncovering stark differences and curious parallels. They explore the American campus experience, with dorm life and sprawling universities, versus Croatia's less centralized system. They discuss how U.S. higher education offers everything from community colleges to Ivy League institutions, while Croatia keeps things simple (and tuition-free).
26 Nov 2024
School
Why do Croatian kids change into slippers at school? And what’s up with police officers in American schools? In this episode of Croatian/American, Gaj and Cody trade stories about their school days and highlight the surprising contrasts between the two systems. They cover everything from start dates (Croatia in September, the U.S. in mid-August) to Croatia’s oral exams and benches versus the U.S.'s individual desks and suspensions. Cody’s confused about Croatia’s weekly schedule changes, while Gaj can’t wrap his head around American kindergarten being a grade. They also dig into funding differences, swimming lessons in Croatia, and the question: what makes a good teacher?
19 Nov 2024
Units of measurement
Why does America insist on measuring things in feet, pounds, and gallons while the rest of the world uses meters, kilos, and liters? In this episode of Croatian/American, Gaj and Cody weigh the differences—literally—and explore the quirks of the imperial and metric systems. From historical roots to political resistance (did Reagan really abolish a metric council?), they unpack why Americans cling to these units. Cody defends cups in recipes and gallons of gas, while Gaj laments confusing conversions and shares a Croatian perspective. They cover Fahrenheit's oddities, metric mishaps like the Mars Orbiter crash, and Fox News’ wild take on the metric system. With laughs and fun facts, they ask: should Croats bother learning the imperial system, or just let Americans keep their inches?
12 Nov 2024
Transportation
In this episode of Croatian/American, Gaj and Cody explore the transport divide between Croatia and the U.S. While America is built for cars—with drive-thrus, endless highways, and even flights across states—Croatia is designed for walking, with neighborhoods where shops and cafes are steps away. Cody recalls Tulsa’s vanished tram system, while Gaj describes Croatia’s outdated trains and new push for suburban rail. They discuss why buses, trams, and ride-hailing apps like Uber have surged in Croatia, the rise of electric scooters in Europe, and how American car culture reflects a love for freedom and mobility.
5 Nov 2024
Tipping
Keep the change! This week Gaj and Cody break down the tipping culture divide between Croatia and the U.S. Cody questions the U.S. “tipping trap” of forced friendliness, where tips are a must—at 20% minimum—and extend from restaurants to tip jars in cafés. Gaj compares this with Croatia’s relaxed approach, where tips are usually just a small round-up. They discuss who gets tipped, from bartenders to hairdressers, the shock American visitors face when calculating Croatian tips, and the impact of the Euro on tipping norms. Plus, they joke about dilemmas like tipping for a €7.25 coffee and whether tipping might ever disappear altogether!
29 Oct 2024
Vacation
In this getaway-themed episode, Gaj and Cody pack their bags and compare how vacations go down in Croatia versus the U.S. Why do Americans hustle for just 10 days of vacation while Croatians enjoy a state-mandated 20? And what’s the deal with Croatians turning a Thursday holiday into a four-day weekend—considered a national sport? They’ll chat about how summer in Croatia means heading to the coast, with capital cities practically deserted, while U.S. vacations often involve fast-paced trips to places like Disneyland. Beach lounging or sightseeing? Gaj can do a good beach nap, but Cody just can’t stand sitting still! And much more.
Please support this pod by following us on your favorite podcast platform, commenting, rating, and sharing it on social media and with friends.
22 Oct 2024
Food
In this mouthwatering episode, Gaj and Cody serve up a buffet of cultural quirks around food. Is Croatian Čokolino up there with American cereals? Do Americans think a breakfast sandwich is pure madness? Would you agree that lunch is the star meal in Croatia, but dinner steals the show in the U.S.? They’ll also chew over why soup is non-negotiable on Sundays in Croatia and how fast food sneaks into both cultures.
From parents cooking for their kids to cafeteria chaos, and a few jabs at Olive Garden's "sucky soup," it’s a deliciously fun comparison of Croatian and American food traditions—holiday hams, Thanksgiving, and all!
Please support us by sharing the episode on social media and with friends.
15 Oct 2024
Coffee culture
In the first episode, we dive into the sacred ritual that is coffee—Croatian and American style! From the strong, leisurely cups enjoyed at local bars to the mystery of "diner coffee" across the pond, we compare the quirks of caffeine culture in Croatia and the U.S.
Find out why decaf is practically heresy in the Balkans, what happened when Cody had his first cup in Split, and why you won’t find many Starbucks in Croatia. Plus, we unravel the tale of Turkish coffee and the pandemic’s unexpected coffee heroes—Mlinar and gas stations. Ready for a brew-tiful journey?
Please support this podcast by following us on Spotify/Apple podcasts, sharing it on social media and with friends!
You also might be interested in Cody's books:
https://znanje.hr/product/propuh-papuce-i-punica/277500
https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Croatian-Girl-Survivors-Tale-ebook/dp/B0161IZRZW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?sr=8-1
12 Oct 2024
Trailer
Introducing the Croatian/American podcast. Our first episode drops on Tuesday, and each Tuesday after that!
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
4.6 / 5
10 ratings
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