Paul Matthews
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ajosshi.bsky.social
Paul Matthews
@ajosshi.bsky.social
280 followers 460 following 1.4K posts
Theatre maker and broadcaster in Korea.
Posts Replies Media Videos
ajosshi.bsky.social
Sunday morning quick sketching before the show.
A pencil sketch of a 47 year old man with a beard.
December 14, 2025 at 12:03 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
In Gangnam for a morning show and having breakfast at the closest place open.

I’m having 뼈해장국 and getting to listen to a very drunk couple alternately argue and make up. Started off a little chaotic, but seems to calm down a bit as my food came out…
December 13, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
astrokatie.com
Deeply disappointed to hear that the BBC has pushed out one of the most brilliant presenters in all of science communication for speaking with integrity and honor in support of human rights and dignity.
robinince.bsky.social Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 1d
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 1:15 PM
ajosshi.bsky.social
This is not the message I needed this year…
michaelchesnut.bsky.social Michael Chesnut @michaelchesnut.bsky.social · 1d
CHEERS
TO THE LAST PARTY
Depending on how you read this, potentially grim end of the year message from a convenience store in Seoul, in English, adding another holiday message to the #LinguisticLandscape!
A poster at a convenience store
December 13, 2025 at 9:22 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
Just finished two shows in Daegu and now have jumped in a taxi to get to Busan for a 4.30 show… never had to cut it this fine before!
December 13, 2025 at 5:01 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
Hard to believe that the BBC has become such a callous place. Suddenly the monkey cage is looking very cramped and inhospitable.
robinince.bsky.social Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 1d
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
chanda.blacksky.app
Really a devastating blow to the #scicomm community that @robinince.bsky.social has felt pressured to resign from the BBC simply because he is passionate about his political principles, including a firm belief that trans lives are precious. 🧪 #scicomm
robinince.bsky.social Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 1d
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
vornietom.bsky.social
As a former archaeologist I can explain this: the Greeks loved cocaine
December 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
bencollins.bsky.social
This is incredible.
zeets.bsky.social Zito @zeets.bsky.social · 5d
Will Arnett was on Conan and told a story about how Conan dealt with the death of his parents by accusing Jason Bateman of killing them. It’s so funny.
December 9, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
edmorrish.bsky.social
it might seem surprising that the people who said “look, let trans people live their lives, but i have Reasonable Concerns about sports and toilets” aren’t up in arms about this, but what you have to remember is that those people who said that are liars who were lying
December 6, 2025 at 12:40 PM
ajosshi.bsky.social
My love’s birthday today. Strange for it to be here, but her not to be.

And yet it is and I am and she is not.

It’s all very perplexing.
December 5, 2025 at 8:01 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
I know it’s December because I’m out in the snow and slush heading to Eastern Seoul to pretend I’m a panicked old man who only works one day a year and is having issues getting down the chimney in front of a group of unruly school children.
December 4, 2025 at 9:42 PM
ajosshi.bsky.social
Thursday scribbling.
A brown ink and pencil sketch of a middle aged man with a beard.
December 4, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
markrussell.bsky.social
One the first anniversary of former president Yoon Seok-yeol’s attempted autogolpe, here’s a good look back at all the happened.

Once again, I’m so impressed at the resiliency and strength of Korea’s democracy. Proud to living here.

english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
What Korea could have looked like had Yoon’s insurrection succeeded
The martial law decree and plans drafted by a shadowy former military commander paint a picture of the type of authoritarian rule that Yoon envisioned, complete with media censorship and the rounding ...
english.hani.co.kr
December 3, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
harrywallop.co.uk
Great culture can save lives. Literally.

Amazing letter in today’s @thetimes.com about Tom Stoppard
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Reposted by Paul Matthews
ryanestrada.com
Currently, every living former Korean president from the right is a convicted felon, and every living former Korean president from the left is a booktuber.

I mean, it's only one guy, and he only just started his channel, but it does explain the vibe of the parties.
President Moon Jae in doing a book talk in his indie bookstore.
November 29, 2025 at 5:58 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
I got my first widower’s pension payment yesterday. Made me feel like I’m in my seventies.
November 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
I have my meds and my blood pressure is still 120/80. Hurray!

I shall be celebrating by not eating or drinking any of the nice things that are bad for me.
November 21, 2025 at 5:36 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
Celebrating the end of the week with a visit to the heart clinic. GIVE ME MY MEDS!

In other news, I’m still alive and losing weight. Haven’t had coffee or booze touch my lips for two and a half months.
November 21, 2025 at 2:26 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
If you haven’t seen this and you love magic, then clear your schedule for an hour of utter brilliance.
papapishu.bsky.social Chris Person @papapishu.bsky.social · 27d
Good news: If you would like to watch Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants on YouTube I have done a painstaking 4k upscale of this. www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0gW...
November 17, 2025 at 3:19 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
The 1345 immigration call center was brilliant this morning. Took a while to get through, but once I did I was greeted warmly and was quickly given all the info I needed. Really great to have this kind of service available.
November 14, 2025 at 4:58 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
For some reason, my brain has chosen musical earworms this week. Yesterday was Little Shop of Horrors, today Wicked and Hamilton.And last night I dreamt of performing as John in Godspell...
November 13, 2025 at 9:44 PM
ajosshi.bsky.social
Having spent most of this year with a Steam Deck, I am beyond excited about the Steam Machine.

Sadly, I know no-one around me who plays video games, so I'll just be mostly jumping up and down in the corner of my home office, disturbing my cat.
November 12, 2025 at 9:26 PM
ajosshi.bsky.social
Glamour shot.
A sepia close up of a black cat.
November 12, 2025 at 12:58 AM
ajosshi.bsky.social
Frankie’s feeling the cold today.
A black cat peeks her head out from under a watermelon patterned blanket.
November 12, 2025 at 12:40 AM