The Salty Gaijin
Brittany Linder
The Salty Gaijin Podcast shares the lifestyle of a Christian missionary who seeks to meaningfully engage with Japanese culture and the greater global cultural moment. The host, Brittany, discusses various topics (from anime to Japanese culture to the American church) as mini "culture studies" through a Christian perspective.
2024 Reflections: The Year of God's Provision
Send us a textHappy 2025, everybody! In this special New Year’s episode, Brittany gives a little life update while reflecting on the past year. 2024 was a year of change, full of challenges and blessings. But more than that, it was a year of God’s provision. Brittany shares how God worked in her life this past year, and how blessing can be born out of trials and hardship. The lesson: when you step out in faith, God shows up for you.Support the showBecome a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee!Follow m
Jan 1, • 39:13
Overwork is Overrated: Work Culture in Japan, the U.S., and Ministry
Send us a textIn this episode, Brittany addresses the issue of overwork in Japan, the U.S., and ministry. While some of the statistics may seem a bit distressing on the surface, there’s also hope for work. As always, Brittany looks at how the Bible talks about work and explores how God has redeemed work for us. Work is good! Overwork is what’s unhealthy for us. --------------------Show Notes and References:How overwork is literally killing us - BBC WorklifeAmerican Work Habits People in Other Co
Oct 1, 2024 • 58:16
"Demon Slayer," Season 3: Femininity, Disability, Trauma, and Jesus-Archetype 2.0
Send us a textWe're back with my friend Rei to discuss Demon Slayer (again)! The most recent season was jam-packed, full of new characters and new troubles. But we were most surprised by the discussions that season 3 stirred up. Rei and Brittany get deep with some hard-hitting topics: female expectations in media, addressing disability and the treatment of disabled people, and defining clinical trauma and its characteristics. Plus, have we found a new Jesus-archetype in Demon Slayer? **Spoiler W
Sep 12, 2023 • 1:37:46
Crazy Summer and The Importance of Sabbath Rest
Send us a textIn this episode, Brittany shares a little bit about what’s going on in her life this summer. Her church has been hosting two college interns, and extreme heat has overtaken the Kansai area. Plus, after 3.5 years, Brittany finally caught COVID-19. Being sick at home for a week gave her a lot of time to think, especially about Sabbath rest. Take a listen to find out some of the reasons why keeping the Sabbath is so important (for Christians and non-Christians alike).---Show Notes and
Aug 1, 2023 • 32:36
AI Generators and the Relationship Between Creation and Creator
Send us a textIn this episode, Brittany discusses the recent boom in AI generators. She shares her perspective on the pros and cons of AI generators from the perspective of a writer and content creator, walks through some of the legal and ethical questions surrounding AI-generated content, and addresses the ultimate question: will AI take over the world? Looking at the biblical concepts of God and creation in Genesis 1 and 2, Brittany makes her case for humanity over AI.Music by Oleksii Kaplunsk
May 16, 2023 • 49:48
Is Putin a Christian?? : The Russian Orthodox Church and a Christian response to the war in Ukraine
Send us a textIn this episode, Brittany tackles a rather serious topic this time around: Putin and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Putin’s actions are a mystery to many of her English students, prompting them to ask, “Is Putin really a Christian?” Putin seems to have strong support from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, so what does that mean for the Church? Are Christians okay with this invasion of Ukraine and the commencing war? After some research, Brittany attempts to address thes
Oct 18, 2022 • 55:21
Special Episode: Sado and Shalom
Send us a textIn this special bonus episode, Brittany shares one of the many messages she has given as a missionary. In July, Brittany had the privilege of speaking at a tea ceremony event (sado or chado in Japanese) held by her church in Japan. After studying the Zen Buddhist roots of Japanese tea ceremony, she considers the main principles of sado with a Christian, biblical perspective. And that led her to the concept of shalom, or “peace” in Hebrew. ---Show Notes and References:Click here to
Aug 9, 2022 • 12:01
The Gifts (and Challenges) of Bilingualism
Send us a textIn this episode, Brittany takes on the topic of bilingualism, addressing some of the benefits and difficulties of being bilingual. What’s the difference between translation and interpretation? How could God use bilingualism for His kingdom purposes? Brittany tackles these questions, throwing in a few anecdotes about her own experience being bilingual in English and Japanese. Show Notes and References:Click here to support me by donation --> Buy Me a Coffee! Walter Benjamin, "The T
May 31, 2022 • 31:54
Mochitsuki, Food and the Gospel
Send us a textIn this episode, Brittany shares her experience pounding out mochi (glutinous rice), and discusses the influence of food in bringing people together. She also delves into the role of food in the Bible and its deep connection to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. -------------------- Show Notes and References:Nakatanidou → mochi shop in Nara City, Nara, JapanInterview with Kendall Vanderslice → “The Gospel Is a Story of Meals” (John Hawbaker)We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and t
Apr 12, 2022 • 34:10
Women are AWESOME: Celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day
Send us a textMarch is Women's History Month, and with International Women's Day having just passed, it's the perfect time to celebrate WOMEN and their contributions to the world.Brittany investigates the history of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, spotlighting some famous women in U.S. history, as well as recent times globally. She also spotlights several women that she looks up to (though the list is by no means comprehensive).Let's take this opportunity to remember all the
Mar 15, 2022 • 39:41
Let's Talk Anime: "Demon Slayer" and Special Guest!
Send us a textWe're getting a little nerdy today. Let's talk anime.The ever-popular anime, Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer, in English) just finished season two a few weeks ago. As an avid anime fan, Brittany is joined by her friend, roommate, and fellow missionary Rei to discuss their impressions of Kimetsu no Yaiba. Demons vs. ogres, the problem of sin and humanity, and Tanjiro as a Jesus-archetype? (Plus a little bilingual fun!)--------------------Show Notes:Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)
Mar 1, 2022 • 49:18
Wordle and the Importance of Community
Send us a textIt seems like everyone is playing Wordle these days. Why is it so popular? Brittany takes a look at how Wordle provided a sense of community for thousands around the world--something that many have been lacking since the pandemic started. Brittany also discusses why community is so important for people, as well as how the Christian community (i.e., the Church) is supposed to function as the ultimate, transcendent community through Jesus.--------------------Show Notes:Bible Verses:・
Feb 15, 2022 • 37:03
Communication Styles in Japan, the U.S., and God's Kingdom
Send us a textBrittany discusses some key differences between Japanese and Western communication styles, pulling from linguistic knowledge and her own cross-cultural church experience in Japan she addresses the questions: Which style is better? Is there really one best way to communicate? How should Christians communicate with one another, cross-culturally or otherwise? Brittany tackles these questions, bearing in mind the biblical standard for communication in God's kingdom.Show Notes:Bible Ver
Feb 1, 2022 • 40:13
Lake Biwa, Outdoor Bouldering, and Noticing the Things God Has Made
Send us a textBrittany shares a little bit about her day trip to Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture, bouldering on Mt. Kitayama, and how nature actually glorifies God, pointing towards a greater understanding and appreciation of God's power and creativity. --------------------Support the showBecome a supporter! --> Buy Me a Coffee!Follow me on social media at: Facebook X Instagram / Threads Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay. Music by Jiwon (Musician) Nahee (Graphic Designer) from Pixabay.
Jan 18, 2022 • 35:11