Michael reminisces all about the expectations and goals he had coming in to site, and spills all about the reality of how they played out. We pour cup after cup as he takes us on adventures, introduces us to his students, and reflects on how his service has helped him grow.

Our Thailand journey nears its end in Lampang with YinD volunteer Elsie on Chaa Thai. From mountain views to tea-filled reflections, she shares her Peace Corps journey, training vs. service realities, growth, and advice for incoming volunteers. Pull up a chair and join this rich, nostalgic conversation. ☕

A beautiful December evening finds us settling down for tea in the little-known province of Phi Chit, domain of one of our favorite charismatic YinD superstars, Natasha. The main flavor note of this week's blend can only be described as “laughter through the pain” as we reminisce on hopes and dreams and expectations that have one by one shattered, cracked, changed, or eeked through over the past two years.

On our way back from a jam-packed October break and Loy Krathong ceremonies, we stopped off at a village in Sakhon Nakhon. Join us this week as we set up our tea table in the cozy home of TESS volunteer Miko!

This never ending rain finds us drifting on a lake in the far south of Thailand, pulling up to the beach just a short walk to Taleah’s, a TESS volunteer in Phatthalung. Grab your favorite cup, find a seat, and tune in to a river of overflowing love with this week’s Chaa Thai!

From the sweeping views of Lampang, we’ve traveled even further North to the crisp air of Chiang Mai and the district of Fang, to the home of YinD volunteer Melena. Join us this week for an energizing, good-for-the-mind-body-and-soul cup of Chaa Thai!

Setting up our tea table with Clara, a YinD volunteer in Lampung, the laughter is infectious, and the tea spills easily. Find a comfortable spot in the house and listen to this week’s healing blend of Chaa Thai!

Our tea table has found its way down South, to the province of Patthalung, where we set up in the warmth and history of TESS volunteer Ollie’s home. Join us this week for a heartwarming cup on an uplifting episode of Chaa Thai!

As a monsoon stretches out over Southeast Asia, we seek shelter amid the Khmer temples of Lopburi in Central Thailand. Our guide and guest is Kiera, a YinD volunteer full of sunshine. Join us at the table for all the softness and smiles found in this week's Chaa Thai!

Halfway through our season, we return to the province we started in! This week, we are once again setting up our tea table in Uthai Thani, at the home of TESS volunteer Arleth. Cozy up and grab a seat for all this warm, spicy episode of Chaa Thai!

We've traveled to the province of Tak to talk with Clay, a YinD volunteer Taking the World by Storm! With hobbies, connection, and growth galore, listen in for a refreshing cup of Chaa Thai full of passion and determination.

It’s the 13th episode of season 2, and the famously lucky number worked its magic. Our guest this week is YinD volunteer Cassidy! We journeyed to tea with her in the beautiful mountains of Chiang Rai, and the setbacks of Number 13 were rendered nearly endearing in the light of the warmth and experiences she shared with us.

Join us with our steaming cups and dancing feet as we leap over to Udon Thani, and share a spot of delicate tea with TESS volunteer Giselle!

With the rainy season deepening, we escape to the North and find our next guest taking shelter in the province of Nan. This week, we’re heating our kettle at the home of TESS volunteer Reid Stautberg.

This week we take our tea table over eastside, and set up for a delightful conversation in the province of Prachin Buri with YinD volunteer, James.

This week we talk experience! TESS volunteer Wade brings the wisdom and shares about the realities of a Western educator teaching in rural Phetchabun, a first time PCV serving with an Thailand veteran, and a unique opportunity we can access to provide for rural communities.

It's a special episode! After 2 seasons, 4 hosts, 42 episodes, and hundreds of plays, there are so many incredible moments, stories, and memories we've shared. Two years after posting our first interview, with now Volunteer Lead Kayla Kawalec, we are posting another YinD superstar, the magical Mia Buffington. Happy Anniversary to the Chaa Thai podcast!

Travel buddies catch up and look ahead in this week's episode of Chaa Thai. Join us in the far reaches of Isaan, as Emily spills all about her life in Mukdahan.

As school starts up again, we're visiting with a veteran Thailand volunteer! You heard a little from him in his email interview with Ken, but now Alyssa and Lilly expand on his first service, and how it differs from this time around.

This week, fall in love with Colt, our Arizonian living in Korat, the "Nebraska of Thailand" as he lets us in on the secrets of long-distance in the Peace Corps, and inspires us to fully live our commitments.