From Down Under to Down South
From Down Under to Down South is a twice-weekly reflection from an Australian making a life in the American South.
After moving from Australia to Tennessee in 2018, I began noticing the subtle cultural differences most people miss — the way politeness sounds different, the way goodbyes stretch longer, the way everyday moments quietly reveal what’s different.
Some episodes explore those contrasts directly. Others are quiet stories from the week — conversations and small moments that say something bigger.
It’s not outrage or culture wars. And it’s not a travel diary. It’s simply one Australian perspective on life between two countries.
If you’ve ever lived overseas, loved two places at once, or found yourself caught between familiar and foreign — you’ll feel at home here.
New episodes are released twice weekly as part of the broader From Down Under to Down South series across podcast and YouTube.
From Down Under to Down South
What Makes Aussie Barbecues So Special?
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Barbecues in Australia are rarely just about the food.
They’re a social ritual — informal, open, and often unplanned — where the grill becomes an excuse to gather rather than the main event.
In this episode, I reflect on what gives an Aussie “barbie” its particular character, from backyard gatherings and beach cook-ups to the unspoken rules about what to bring, who cooks, and how long you stay.
We’ll look at:
• The customs that shape a classic Australian barbecue
• The foods that tend to appear — and why
• The relaxed social expectations behind it
• And how it compares with American grilling culture
Living in the United States has made me notice just how distinct the Australian version feels — not louder or better, just different in tone.
Because in Australia, a barbecue isn’t a performance.
It’s a setting.
And often, the conversation matters more than what’s on the plate.
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Thanks for watching.
Hoo roo maties.
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