#StroongeCast E11: For The Love Of School https://youtu.be/taDcYc_8jzE

In this episode we talk about our school memories, the trips, the food, the technology, the experiences we had and how they differ from each other.
Andre attended a specialist boarding school for 8 years, where as Kirsten attended an all-girl school. As a result, their memories are very different from one another and there are few common or shared experiences.
From Kirsten's trip to Russia and having to open her suspicious-looking suitcase in the airport which was taped together, to Andre's experience of being left stranded in Reading train station for hours, and having to get a cab to school, this episode is quite a long one.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/11_-_For_The_Love_Of%20School.mp3

#StroongeCast E12: A Bit Of A Catch-up https://youtu.be/1CRsjzILIVQ

In this episode we catch you up on our 17-year anniversary, putting up the Christmas tree, huge, huge prawns, lunch for the two of us and Alice's cookies.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/12_-_A_Bit_Of_A_Catch-up.mp3

#StroongeCast E14: Never Go To Sleep On An Argument https://youtu.be/9LDClW3wc54

Good news! we're now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just search for 'StroongeCast' in the Podcasts app.

In this episode we discuss arguments, how best to avoid feeling terrible the next day by resolving a bad argument before bed, and some of the ways in which we think we've grown as a couple by hashing things out in a sensible fashion.
As we often say to our children when they're young, 'Use your words!'
Seriously though, it can really help.

Here's the 'How To Make Your Marriage Work' clip mentioned in the episode. Sadly this cannot be viewed in the UK: https://youtu.be/MWcvQx6HiJs

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/14_-_Never_Go_To_Sleep_On_An_Argument.mp3

#StroongeCast E15: Christmas Catch-Up https://youtu.be/KR0NlflXvYw

In this episode we tell you about our Christmas happenings, the gifts, the food and the amazing StroongeCast t-shirts created by as she says, 'Our number 1 fan!'
Thanks to Kirsten's sister for these t-shirts, they're comfortable and warm and as soon as we unwrapped them, we loved them immediately.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/15_-_Christmas_Catch-Up.mp3

#StroongeCast E16: Happy New Year https://youtu.be/7VAp6exqq-4

In this episode we catch you up on the things we've done in 2024, our hopes for 2025, you'll hear about Kirsten's rather strange dreams and we have a question for you, the listeners.
You'll find out the answer to the question in the next episode.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/16_-_Happy_New_Year.mp3

#StroongeCast E17: Back To School https://youtu.be/2xK5rSNrDlo

In this episode we give you the answer to last episode's question, leave you with another, discuss the kids being back at school and talk about a series of cards for partners that make you really have to think.
These are questions you can ask one another and likely get some quite interesting answers. Quite addictive actually.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/17_-_Back_To_School.mp3

#StroongeCast E18: This Or That https://youtu.be/7zkdzs841Tc

In this episode we give you the answer to last episode's question, leave you with another, and then ask a series of 'This Or That' questions which you have to try and answer as quickly as possible. Questions like: 'Summer or Winter?' 'Bacon or Sausage?'
Feel free to leave your answers wherever you listen to podcasts, or email them to us via the contact form.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/18_-_This_Or_That.mp3

#StroongeCast E19: Double-Standards
https://youtu.be/wp59KyTUxlk

In this episode we give you the answer to last episode's question, leave you with another, and then discuss the idea of double-standards.
Saying to a man 'Those trousers make your bum look saggy' is harsh, but is likely way more acceptable than saying that same thing to a woman.
'That t-shirt makes you look terrible, definitely want to change that' is equally passable in one direction but not the other.

In our case we simply don't have the need to speak to one another in this fashion to begin with, but many seemingly do.
Our particular double-standards come from raising both a boy and a girl.
We allowed our son to go off by himself earlier with less fear and concern as parents, but not so with our daughter.
Are you parents with children of a similar age to one another?
Do you worry about them going off on their own?
Do you treat them differently, sometimes without realising it?

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/19_-_Double-Standards.mp3

#StroongeCast E20: Synaesthesia https://youtu.be/gXaB9zsvhwE

In this episode we discuss the fascinating topic of Synaesthesia.

Andre's version of Synaesthesia involves being able to feel certain days of the week, and also some numbers.
Listen as we delve into this, and also some comments from a Mastodon thread Andre created to discover just how many others he might know that have it too.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/20_-_Synaesthesia.mp3

#StroongeCast E21: Would You Believe It? https://youtu.be/vU2XPUI-gVY

In this episode we give you the answer to the quiz question, leave you with another, and then discuss sayings that you might have heard as children.
From things like 'Don't eat that apple pip, or it will grow a tree inside your stomach' to 'Eat all your carrots, they'll help you see better in the dark.'
To the latter, Andre can attest this really doesn't work, and he wants his money back.

If you had sayings (funny, ridiculous or otherwise) that you were told as children and maybe even pass onto your children now, do let us know.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/21_-_Would_You_Believe_It.mp3

#StroongeCast E22: The Valentines Wardrobe https://youtu.be/Y5idibjbHLs

In this episode we give you the answer to the quiz question, leave you with another, and then discuss our thoughts on Valentines day and what it means (or doesn't mean) to us.
Do you celebrate it? If so we'd love to hear about how.

Kirsten also informs us about 'Galentines day' celebrated on Feb 13, which is news to Andre.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/22_-_The_Valentines_Wardrobe.mp3

#StroongeCast E23: Our Tech Of Yesteryear https://youtu.be/UW_ZO8uQRaI

In this episode we discuss our thoughts on the tech of yesteryear, what sorts of computers, games consoles and phones we used, the usefulness of Ceefax and also the fact that our modern washing machine is leaking after only a year in-service.
We complain about the fact that newer items just aren't made as well as their older counterparts, and realise that this definitely makes us seem old.
What technology and/or other electronics do you remember liking when you were younger? did you have a favourite toy, game console or music player? Let us know.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/23_-_Our_Tech_Of_Yesteryear.mp3

#StroongeCast E24: Do You Know What You Think You Know? https://youtu.be/22szGTnKtyc

In this episode we discuss the things that we think we know about our partners (or don't) and the things our partners should know about us.
Do you know their allergies, favourite foods/colours/films etc? Do they know yours too?

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/24_-_Do_You_Know_What_You_Think_You_Know.mp3

#StroongeCast E25: Phone Or No Phone? https://youtu.be/4sqyFWLOduY

In this episode we discuss the idea of banning phones in schools, what it means for communicating with parents, and some of the measures schools have taken to curb the use of phones both on and off school grounds.
This will likely be quite a polarising episode and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, whether you're a parent or not.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/25_-_Phone_Or_No_Phone.mp3

#StroongeCast E26: Our Way To Holiday https://youtu.be/WT4JN4qai7o

In this episode we discuss the fact that for the most part, we holiday separately as a couple, and why we choose to do so.
Kirsten takes the children on holidays geared towards long walks with the dogs, farm visits and plenty of outdoor spaces, whilst Andre often stays home to make music in the piece and quiet, or sometimes has a gig of his own which clashes with the week away.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/26_-_Our_Way_To_Holiday.mp3

#StroongeCast E27: What's In A Name? https://youtu.be/tDlUPTc4Tiw

In this episode we discuss all sorts of names. Our names, the names of other people, unusual place-names and the difficulty people often have pronouncing names correctly.
If you have a name that you find people often mispronounce or even misspell, let us know so we can attempt to get it right.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/27_-_What%27s_In_A_Name.mp3

#StroongeCast E28: Your Job Or Mine? https://youtu.be/Li_KGMNLcQ8

In this episode we discuss all sorts of strange jobs from years gone by such as 'Wool Fuller,' 'Panda Cuddler' and even a Gong Farmer' which Andre was saddened to find out is not growing giant metal gongs and ringing them.

Kirsten tells us all the jobs she's done around animals and Andre tells us about his wish to have been a train driver.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/28_-_Your_Job_Or_Mine.mp3

#StroongeCast E29: School Holidays https://youtu.be/Iu06EirAS4o

In this episode we discuss what we did during the school holidays, as this episode falls directly at the start of our children's Easter holiday period.
Kirsten tells us about visiting her grandparents in the south of France and flying by herself at a very young age, whilst Andre regales us with some of the experiences that a bunch of blind students on a two-hour train journey got up to, on the way home from boarding school to London.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/29_-_School_Holidays.mp3

#StroongeCast E30: What Makes A Teacher? https://youtu.be/rGdyTkvNP68

In this episode we discuss school teachers (the good, the bad and the ugly), things they said, and the ramifications of telling a child 'You'll never amount to anything', rude teachers, great teachers, inspirational teachers, angry house parents, verbal warnings for simply asking questions and more.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/30_-_What_Makes_A_Teacher.mp3

#StroongeCast E31: Sixteen Years And Counting https://youtu.be/h43MBafp6q4

In this episode we tell you about our sixteenth wedding anniversary which is today, 18th April, and about the problems of not having any running water at the moment. It's also Good Friday as we record this, so to those who celebrate, we wish you a happy Easter.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/31_-_Sixteen_Years_And_Counting.mp3

#StroongeCast E32: Childhood Terrors https://youtu.be/-eXNJ2bVfAI
In this episode we talk about those things that scared us as children, whether that be monsters in the rubbish chute or beneath the waves, to the music from The X-Files TV show, or nightmares that stuck with us into adulthood because they felt so visceral at the time.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/32_-_Childhood_Terrors.mp3

#StroongeCast E33: How Much Would You Pay To Keep Me Alive? https://youtu.be/-BpNG8y11Ps

Warning: This particular podcast contains spoilers for Black Mirror Season 7 Episode 1, 'Common People.'
If you plan to watch it and haven't done so, please skip this podcast.
If you don't plan to watch it and don't mind us talking about it, stick around.

In this episode we discuss the merits and problems of paying to keep your partner alive after an accident using technology.

Some blurb from IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2085059/episodes/?season=7

When a medical emergency leaves schoolteacher Amanda fighting for her life, her desperate husband Mike signs her up for Rivermind, a high-tech system that will keep her alive.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/33_-_How_Much_Would_You_Pay_To_Keep_Me_Alive.mp3

#StroongeCast E34: We Don't Care To Swear https://youtu.be/NF_JqqZPu0A

In this episode we discuss a youtube comment that we received on the previous episode, complaining that our lack of bad language made the podcast essentially unlistenable, and that 'there's no such thing as bad language' so swearing is a must. Naturally, we're here to refute this.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/34_-_We_Don%27t_Care_To_Swear.mp3

#StroongeCast E35: I Would Never Do That Unless... https://youtu.be/zGW-iCWD7Yw

In this episode we discuss things that we'd never choose to do under normal circumstances, unless things were so dire that we had no choice.
From robbing a bank, to eating pineapple on pizza, the choices are certainly out there.
What thing or things would you never do?

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/35_-_I_Would_Never_Do_That_Unless.mp3

#StroongeCast E36: Childhood Memories https://youtu.be/iATpXs7ycVE

In this episode we go back to our childhoods and discuss those memories that have stuck with us.
Whether mundane, naughty, funny or unusual, anything goes.
From unlocking childproof locks, to being scared by unexpected vacuum cleaners, it's all here.

Thank you to all those on Mastodon that sent in their childhood memories for us to discuss this week.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/36_-_Childhood_Memories.mp3

#StroongeCast E37: Busses And Birthdays https://youtu.be/2i8d50Et9wE

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/37_-_Busses_And_Birthdays.mp3

#StroongeCast E38: Animal Encounters Of The Stroonge Kind... https://youtu.be/Zgzln4bK2Mk

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/38_-_Animal_Encounters_Of_The_Stroonge_Kind.mp3

#StroongeCast E39: Is It Just Us? https://youtu.be/ULu-w78LIyA

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/39_-_Is_It_Just_Us.mp3

#StroongeCast E40: See How You Do! https://youtu.be/ojRbDI-9SVM

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/40_-_See_How_You_Do%21.mp3

#StroongeCast E41: Seven Deadly Tins https://youtu.be/-P-dn5lqL-Q

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/41_-_Seven_Deadly_Tins.mp3

#StroongeCast E42: Don't Treat Me Like A Princess https://youtu.be/7T1vZxQc9QE

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/42_-_Don%27t_Treat_Me_Like_A_Princess.mp3

#StroongeCast E43: Why Are You So Jealous? https://youtu.be/nekGM37YgJs

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/43_-_Why_Are_You_So_Jealous.mp3

#StroongeCast E44: Communication Is Key: https://youtu.be/4XwWBOrg9zM
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 @ednun_p for being guest number one on the podcast and hope to have many more in future.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/44_-_Communication_Is_Key.mp3

#StroongeCast E45: What Do You Like To Read? https://youtu.be/mTIPtVn9ZVY

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/45_-_What_Do_You_Like_To_Read.mp3

#StroongeCast E46: Bon Voyage https://youtu.be/UEoQLUPkr40

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/46_-_Bon_Voyage.mp3

#StroongeCast E47: CruiseCast https://youtu.be/fCq-vD8LmB4

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/47_-_CruiseCast.mp3

#StroongeCast E48: Back To Reality https://youtu.be/EKE3EBd19bo

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/48_-_Back_To_Reality.mp3

#StroongeCast E49: Broken Nails And Stranger Things https://youtu.be/B238_y0gGk4

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/49_-_Broken_Nails_And_Stranger_Things.mp3

#StroongeCast E50: Can You Adam And Eve It? https://youtu.be/jhzBVnFC1Ww

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/50_-_Can_You_Adam_And_Eve_It.mp3

#StroongeCast E51: Playground Collectibles https://youtu.be/EoDkdmdiDdc

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?

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/51_-_Playground_Collectibles.mp3

#StroongeCast E52: For Example... https://youtu.be/SkSO3Bb57mc

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/52_-_For_Example.mp3

#StroongeCast E53: Boyfriend Or Heels? https://youtu.be/jyb8LFlbUOM

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/53_-_Boyfriend_Or_Heels.mp3

#StroongeCast E54: Growing In Confidence https://youtu.be/SxtSbkEABzc

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.

Download: https://onj.me/media/stroongecast/54_-_Growing_In_Confidence.mp3