From Spokane to London: Milo’s Transatlantic Tale of Nostalgia, Migration, and Microbrews
Episode #0020
Ever wondered what happens when a Seattle-based expat meets a Romanian-born podcast host in Germany to chat about the 80s, emigration, and cheese crackers? Yeah, neither did we—until it happened. On the latest episode of Whereabouts Tales, Paul sits down with Milo Denison, host of The 80s and 90s Uncensored and Overlooked, for a conversation that zigzags through continents, cartoons, culture shocks, and the irreplaceable comfort of American craft beer.
“I Know My Family. What Do I Need to Visit Them For?”
That might sound brutal, but if you’ve ever done the “house-hopping guilt tour” back home, you know what Milo meant. Both Paul and Milo share the bittersweet experience of returning to visit family—where love is abundant but rest is in short supply. One minute you’re enjoying your aunt’s casserole, the next you’re dodging social obligations by pretending you never arrived. Welcome to expert-level expat life.
Life Before Google Maps and Streaming: 80s Childhoods, Compared
Milo’s memories of U.S. childhood in the 80s are a delightful throwback: Saturday morning cartoons, toy commercials disguised as TV shows, and being raised by the glowing box in the living room.
Paul, on the other hand? Let’s just say growing up in communist Romania meant no cartoons, two hours of state-controlled television a day, and mandatory candlelit reading thanks to scheduled blackouts. It wasn’t just a different country—it was a different universe. Yet somehow, they both watched Life with Louie. Globalization, you beautiful, confusing beast.
Driving on the Left, Thinking on the Right (Sometimes)
Milo’s path from Washington State to Dublin—and eventually to London—wasn’t so much planned as it was, well, opportunistic. Microsoft job opening in Ireland? Sure, why not. Had he ever been to Ireland before moving? Nope. But with corporate relocation support, the journey was more “air-conditioned shuttle” than “gritty expat survival.” Still, culture clashes were real—especially when deciphering thick Irish and Northern accents after a few pints.
Paul jokes that if you’re an American who can’t understand what’s being said, you’re not alone—it’s not you, it’s the Guinness.
Why the UK Isn’t Just "America Lite"
Culturally, Milo doesn’t find the differences between Ireland, the UK, and the US all that vast—until you poke the Irish pride. Americans can take a joke about their politics. The Irish? Not so much when it comes to jabs at their national identity. And yes, Milo confirms: Irish people really are as friendly as the stereotypes suggest. That pub stranger who chats you up while you wait for your Guinness? That’s just Tuesday in Dublin.
London vs. Dublin: Bigger, Bolder, and Not Great for Mexican Food
Now in London, Milo appreciates the multiculturalism—except for one glaring omission. “You can find Lebanese, Indian, Vietnamese... but good Mexican food? Forget about it.” It’s a running theme and an oddly emotional one. If you’ve lived abroad and craved a Taco Bell crunchwrap or even just a decent enchilada, you understand.
Nostalgia Isn’t What It Used to Be… Or Is It?
Milo’s podcasts are a deep-dive into 80s and 90s culture, both the pop and the overlooked. But why is everyone so hooked on those decades? For Milo, it’s simple: “We weren’t bitter and beat down by work and life yet.” Paul agrees—especially since in Romania, the 80s were less "arcade games and MTV" and more "reading by candlelight in fear of censorship."
Spoiler alert: They’re planning a joint episode comparing their childhoods from both sides of the Iron Curtain. Expect laughter. And probably some tears. And a lot of “Wait, WHAT?!”
A Few Nuggets From Milo's Lightning Round
Overlooked movie? Space Truckers (Yep, it's as ridiculous as it sounds.)
Pen or keyboard? Keyboard. His handwriting is, in his own words, “atrocious.”
Sweet or salty popcorn? Salty. No contest.
Most-missed U.S. treat? Mexican food and cheese crackers (not together, thankfully).
Dream podcast guest? Michael J. Fox. A legend and a childhood idol.
Leaving, Learning, and Looking Back
So what happens when you leave your country? You gain perspective. Milo now finds himself defending the U.S. more than ever—not because it's perfect, but because no place is. From housing crises in Seattle to far-right surges in Europe, no country holds the moral high ground these days. But traveling, living abroad, and connecting with others does something special: it humanizes.
“You can always go back,” Milo says. “But at least you’ll know you tried.”
Coming Up Next: Romania vs. U.S.—The 80s & 90s Showdown
If this episode was the warm-up, the next one promises fireworks. Two radically different childhoods. One shared love for Star Trek: The Next Generation. And enough retro references to make your Walkman rewind itself.
Stay tuned.
