Podcast Summary: Strangers on a Bench – EPISODE 19: Covid in Cambodia

Host: Tom Rosenthal
Guest: Dave
Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 19 of Strangers on a Bench, host Tom Rosenthal engages in a deeply personal and engaging conversation with Dave, a former tour guide from Cambodia. This episode delves into Dave's tumultuous experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, his adventurous past, and his reflections on life both in Cambodia and London.

COVID-19 Impact in Cambodia

The episode opens with Tom approaching Dave on a London park bench, initiating a conversation that quickly reveals Dave's significant life changes due to the pandemic.

• Business Downfall:
  Dave explains how COVID-19 devastated his tour guide business in Cambodia.

  "[01:08] Dave: ... Cambodia as a tour guide on dirt bikes, which I just lost the business..."

• Sale of Motorbikes:
  To sustain himself, Dave had to sell 22 motorbikes over two years.

  "[01:59] Dave: They went one by one as I ran out of money..."

• Mental Health Struggles:
  The pandemic led to increased alcohol consumption and despair among business owners, leading to numerous suicides.

  "[02:15] Dave: ... a lot of suicides. Oh, God. I mean, we're in the West. We're lucky because we've got a safety net."

Tom and Dave discuss the resilience required to navigate such challenging times and the psychological toll the pandemic took on individuals and businesses alike.

Life Before and After Cambodia

Dave shares his adventurous past, highlighting his transition from a vibrant London life to the jungles of Cambodia.

• London Roots and Punk Days:
  Dave reminisces about his South London upbringing and involvement in the punk rock scene.

  "[04:33] Dave: ... I started working in the music industry, if you can call it punk rock..."

• Move to Spain and Settling Down:
  After years of energetic escapades, Dave settled down in Spain before eventually moving to Cambodia.

  "[10:28] Dave: ... I moved to Spain and married and then became kind of sensible..."

Adventures as a Tour Guide in Cambodia

The core of the episode focuses on Dave's two decades as a tour guide navigating Cambodia's challenging landscapes.

• Jungle Traversals:
  Dave describes the thrill and danger of leading tours on dirt bikes through dense jungles.

  "[15:45] Dave: ... incredible, man. I mean, like, incredible ones. It used to take us five days to get through the jungle."

• Close Encounters with Wildlife:
  Dave shares unforgettable moments, including a near-death experience with a cobra and a mesmerizing encounter with a clouded leopard.

  "[19:26] Dave: ... he had that expression on his face and you don't get that close..."
  "[19:54] Dave: It was in my headlight, yeah. Hell, I thought I was gonna have a heart attack."

• Dealing with Natural Hazards:
  The unpredictable dangers of lightning strikes in remote villages are discussed, emphasizing the raw and untamed environment Dave operated in.

  "[20:28] Dave: Nothing. You shit yourself. But they always happen where we were working..."

Personal Reflections and Life in London

The conversation shifts to Dave's life post-Cambodia, living in London with longtime friends and reflecting on societal changes.

• Living Arrangements and Friendship:
  Dave describes his current living situation with two friends, showcasing their camaraderie and dark humor amidst personal struggles.

  "[12:33] Dave: No. We're absolute fuckers. It's like, off to your room..."

• Homelessness in London:
  Dave expresses his shock at the increasing homelessness he observed upon returning to London, reminiscing about the 1980s when life seemed simpler.

  "[06:13] Dave: I was just always running around... but the noughties, no, that's when it all started to Change."

• Nostalgia for the Past:
  Reflecting on better times, Dave contrasts the vibrant 80s with the challenging modern landscape, questioning when society might reclaim its former vibrancy.

  "[25:53] Dave: ... The 80s were good here, I think the best time I was."
  "[26:04] Dave: I don't know. Well overdue, ain't we? Well overdue."

Memories and Loss

Dave opens up about the personal losses he's endured, including the death of a close friend on the day he left for Cambodia.

• Grieving Loved Ones:
  Dave speaks poignantly about the girlfriend who died as he departed for Cambodia, highlighting the emotional scars carried from the past.

  "[26:30] Dave: ... She died the day that I left to Cambodia. I think of her often..."

Advice and Future Plans

In the latter part of the conversation, Dave offers heartfelt advice and discusses his current outlook on life.

• Encouragement to Travel:
  Dave urges younger generations to explore beyond England to avoid adopting a restrictive mindset.

  "[27:20] Dave: Get out and travel. Get out of England. There's so many good places..."

• Embracing Freedom:
  Embracing a nomadic lifestyle, Dave relishes his current freedom, resisting societal expectations to settle down.

  "[27:54] Dave: ... I love being free."

Notable Quotes

• On Business and Survival:

  "[01:08] Dave: I worked in the jungle for 20 years... I sold all my motorbikes, 22 motorbikes I had and survived."

• On Mental Health:

  "[02:15] Dave: ... a lot of suicides... People should think about that, really."

• On Wildlife Encounter:

  "[19:26] Dave: ... I could see in his eyes, if that animal could talk, he would have went, what the fuck?"

• On Personal Growth:

  "[11:05] Dave: No. I think everyone has to grow up sooner or later."

Conclusion

Episode 19 of Strangers on a Bench offers a compelling narrative of resilience, adventure, and introspection. Through Dave's vivid recounting of his life-threatening experiences in Cambodia and his reflections upon returning to a transformed London, listeners gain profound insights into the human spirit's capacity to adapt and find meaning amidst chaos. Dave's journey underscores the importance of embracing freedom, cherishing friendships, and the enduring impact of our past on our present selves.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:04 - 01:08: Introduction and invitation to participate in the podcast.
• 01:08 - 02:15: Dave discusses his life in Cambodia and the impact of COVID-19.
• 02:15 - 04:33: The emotional and financial toll of the pandemic on Dave and others.
• 04:33 - 10:28: Dave's background in London, punk rock, and eventual move to Cambodia.
• 10:28 - 18:20: Adventures and challenges as a tour guide, including wildlife encounters.
• 18:20 - 26:56: Reflections on life in London, homelessness, and personal losses.
• 26:56 - 28:48: Advice to younger generations and Dave's current lifestyle choices.

Strangers on a Bench continues to explore the rich tapestry of human experiences, uncovering stories that resonate with listeners and foster a deeper understanding of the diverse lives that intersect in everyday public spaces.