Just Asia

Kevin O'Shea

International educator and podcaster, Kevin O’Shea brings you some interesting takes on a long life living abroad in Asia. The Just Asia Podcast profiles fascinating expats living across Asia doing amazing things. He talks to people in Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia and more. Listen to their stories and be inspired by the lives they lead. © Kevin O'Shea 2023 read less
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Just Asia - 25: Exploring Japan on Foot with Kevin Tarpey
Today
Just Asia - 25: Exploring Japan on Foot with Kevin Tarpey
In this episode, we chat with Kevin Tarpey, an American expat living in rural Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Kevin spends a great deal of his time looking at Japan through a different lens than most. He walks and hikes all over his region. Last year he even completed the 88 Temple Pilgrimage across the Island of Shikoku all on foot. Kevin is an insightful and reflective walker who also shares his explorations in a local Japanese newspaper. You can see some of the amazing nature and historical sites Kevin comes across on his walks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof/ Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the AWESOME GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Listen to Kevin's epic tale of his 88 Temples Pilgrimage on the Supernatural Japan Podcast: Supernatural Japan - Episode 7: The 88 Temples Pilgrimage - Part 1 (with Kevin Tarpey) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan-episode-7-the-88-temples/id1616675498?i=1000560748349 Supernatural Japan - Episode 8: The 88 Temples Pilgrimage - Part 2 (with Kevin Tarpey) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan-episode-8-the-88-temples/id1616675498?i=1000563007606
Just Asia - 25: Exploring Japan on Foot with Kevin Tarpey
Today
Just Asia - 25: Exploring Japan on Foot with Kevin Tarpey
In this episode, we chat with Kevin Tarpey, an American expat living in rural Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Kevin spends a great deal of his time looking at Japan through a different lens than most. He walks and hikes all over his region. Last year he even completed the 88 Temple Pilgrimage across the Island of Shikoku all on foot. Kevin is an insightful and reflective walker who also shares his explorations in a local Japanese newspaper. You can see some of the amazing nature and historical sites Kevin comes across on his walks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof/ Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the AWESOME GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Listen to Kevin's epic tale of his 88 Temples Pilgrimage on the Supernatural Japan Podcast: Supernatural Japan - Episode 7: The 88 Temples Pilgrimage - Part 1 (with Kevin Tarpey) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan-episode-7-the-88-temples/id1616675498?i=1000560748349 Supernatural Japan - Episode 8: The 88 Temples Pilgrimage - Part 2 (with Kevin Tarpey) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan-episode-8-the-88-temples/id1616675498?i=1000563007606
Just Asia - 24: Chasing Typhoons with James Reynolds
Sep 13 2023
Just Asia - 24: Chasing Typhoons with James Reynolds
In this episode, Kevin chats with extreme weather videographer and content creator, James Reynolds. James is based in Tokyo, Japan and has a rather unusual profession. He travels around Asia, getting in front of typhoons, capturing them on video, documenting the storms and their aftermaths. He was most recently in both Hong Kong and Taiwan in the fray with recent storms. James shares his amazing footage and experiences on Twitter (X), Instagram and YouTube as @earthuncutTV. This is a truly exciting conversation!  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the AWESOME GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow James Reynolds on social media: (X) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/EarthUncutTV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthuncuttv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EarthUncutTV
Just Asia - 23: Life in Bali and Getting Outdoors with Kenny Peavy
Sep 6 2023
Just Asia - 23: Life in Bali and Getting Outdoors with Kenny Peavy
In this episode, Indonesia-based to we chat with Bali, Indonesia-based Kenny Peavy. Kenny is a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and play. He currently works at the famed Green School Bali and has spent more than 20 years living in Asia. Kenny discusses his advocacy work with connecting children to the outdoors and chats about what it's like to live in Bali. Many of us only know of Bali as a holiday destination so it's fascinating to hear what it's actually like to live there! Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the AWESOME GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Kenny on Social Media: Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/kenny_peavy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-peavy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/boxpeopleunboxed Nature Talks Podcast - 11: Outdoor Learning with Kenny Peavy https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/nature-talks-podcast-11-outdoor-learning-with-kenny-peavy/id1579829311?i=1000574749350 Nature Talks Podcast - 19: Taking Action with Kenny Peavy https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/nature-talks-podcast-19-taking-action-with-kenny-peavy/id1579829311?i=1000601566618
Just Asia - 23: Life in Bali and Getting Outdoors with Kenny Peavey
Sep 6 2023
Just Asia - 23: Life in Bali and Getting Outdoors with Kenny Peavey
In this episode, Indonesia-based to we chat with Bali, Indonesia-based Kenny Peavy. Kenny is a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and play. He currently works at the famed Green School Bali and has spent more than 20 years living in Asia. Kenny discusses his advocacy work with connecting children to the outdoors and chats about what it's like to live in Bali. Many of us only know of Bali as a holiday destination so it's fascinating to hear what it's actually like to live there! Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the AWESOME GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Kenny on Social Media: Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/kenny_peavy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-peavy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/boxpeopleunboxed
Just Asia - 22: Living and Working in Shanghai with Everett Hill
Aug 28 2023
Just Asia - 22: Living and Working in Shanghai with Everett Hill
In this episode, we chat with Everett Hill, Secondary Vice Principal at Concordia International School. He’s an American who is living and working in Shanghai, China. He talks with us about what life is like in one of Asia’s most iconic cities and the challenges of living there with his family during the Zero Cover Years. Everett gives listeners thinking of taking the plunge to work overseas some great advice and he talks about his education podcast “Classrooms in Crisis.” , Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the AWESOME GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Everett on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/everettis1 Listen to “Classrooms in Crisis”: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/classroomsincrisis
Just Asia - 21: The Most Haunted Place in Japan? - with the “MiddleAgedExpat”
Aug 16 2023
Just Asia - 21: The Most Haunted Place in Japan? - with the “MiddleAgedExpat”
In this episode, Kevin revisits an interview he did for the Supernatural Japan Podcast. Kevin chats with Richard Guilbeault, a Canadian expat in Asia. Rich (MiddleAgedExpat on YouTube), traveled to Bibai, Hokkaido in Japan to investigate what is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in Japan. He explored the infamous abandoned Round Schoolhouse. What did he discover? Check out the original interview from the “Supernatural Japan Podcast”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan-episode-2-hokkaidos-round-schoolhouse/id1616675498?i=1000556282395 Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the AWESOME GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin
Just Asia - 20: Hobbies in Japan
Aug 8 2023
Just Asia - 20: Hobbies in Japan
We are back after a summer hiatus! In this episode Kevin chats with Pee Jay and Sarah, two long-term Japan expats. They discuss the importance of having hobbies while living abroad. They specifically chat about a fun geolocation game called Munzee which gets people outdoors, discovering the world around them.  Follow the Podcast on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Munzee Maniacs Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/munzee-maniacs-podcast/id1538817096 Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahkobe/ Pee Jay On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kansai_pee_jay/
Just Asia - 19: Hidden Paths Kyoto and Paranormal Kansai with Phillip Jackson
Jun 29 2023
Just Asia - 19: Hidden Paths Kyoto and Paranormal Kansai with Phillip Jackson
In this episode, Kevin chats with Kyoto-based writer and guide, Phillip Jackson. Phillip is the author of “Hidden Paths - Walking Historical Kyoto”, a book that gets you off the beaten track to see amazing sites in Kyoto that aren’t crowded and filled with history. He is also the author of “Paranormal Kansai” a book looking at the spookier sides of this region of Japan. Phillip shares his insights into local tourism and tells some fascinating stories about hiking in Kyoto and the paranormal side of this region.  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Check out everything Phillip Jackson is doing: Hidden Paths Kyoto: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjacksonmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenpaths-walkinghistori588
Just Asia - 18: Film Photography in Japan with Orrin Heath
Jun 23 2023
Just Asia - 18: Film Photography in Japan with Orrin Heath
It’s the first episode recorded in Japan! This week Kevin chats with Orrin Heath a photographer based in Nagano Prefecture in Japan. He captures Japan on film and shares his insights into the hobby of film photography. He tells us where he gets older film cameras in Japan as well as the film. He also gives great advice to listeners who may be interested in getting into film photography.  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Orrin’s Film Photography and more about Japan: Twitter: https://twitter.com/nirro04 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nirro04/ Darkroom: https://orrinheath.darkroom.com/
Just Asia - 17: Working in Japanese Universities with Kansai Pee Jay
Jun 10 2023
Just Asia - 17: Working in Japanese Universities with Kansai Pee Jay
What’s it like to work in a university in Japan? How do I get a job like this? In our final episode recorded in Mainland China, Kevin chats with Japan-based expat, Pee Jay about working in universities in Japan. Pee Jay shares his “Japan origin story” and talks about how he transitioned from teaching in public schools, to private schools and then to universities. He also talks about how the Cover years were in Japan and how, as a result, many universities have been forced to evolve. There will be no new episode next week. Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Pee Jay on Intsagram: @kansai_pee_jay https://www.instagram.com/kansai_pee_jay/?hl=en Follow and Listen to the Munzee Maniacs Podcast (hosted by Pee Jay and Kevin): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/munzee-maniacs-podcast/id1538817096
Just Asia - 16: Game Development and IRL Streaming in Tokyo with @MegaMattTV
Jun 3 2023
Just Asia - 16: Game Development and IRL Streaming in Tokyo with @MegaMattTV
How does a foreigner get into the game development industry in Japan? What is IRL live streaming? In this episode, Kevin chats with Matt Papa, AKA MegaMattTV about all these things. Matt is originally from the United States but has spent many years living in both Osaka and Tokyo. He works in games, is a Twitch content creator, and does some really cool live streams around Tokyo with friends!  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Matt on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/MegaMattTV Follow Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MegaMattTV
Just Asia - 15: A Forensic Scientist in Japan with Brian Waters
May 27 2023
Just Asia - 15: A Forensic Scientist in Japan with Brian Waters
In this episode, host Kevin O’Shea chats with Brian Waters, a forensic scientist who teaches at a university in Fukuoka. Brian appeared on many episodes of the Just Japan Podcast and now makes his debut on Just Asia. Growing up in America, Brian first came to Japan on the JET Program. He later worked for the LA County Coroner’s Office and then made the move to Japan where he is raising his family. Brian’s story is a very interesting one indeed!  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Brain Waters: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyTwoYen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytwoyen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mytwoyen/
Just Asia 14: Folklore and Spooky Travel in Korea with Shawn Morrissey
May 18 2023
Just Asia 14: Folklore and Spooky Travel in Korea with Shawn Morrissey
In the epodes, host Kevin O’Shea chats with Shawn Morrissey. Shawn is a Canadian who has called South Korea home for more than 20 years. Shawn is a folklorist, storyteller, heritage interpreter, writer, and travel guide. He leads tours for Seoul Hike as well as the Dark Side of Seoul. Shawn is also the author of books such as “The Dark Side of Seoul: Weird Tales from Korean Lore.” Shawn talks about how his interest in all things spooky as well as Korean folklore developed as well as how he developed a career in the Korean travel industry.  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Find Shawn here: Dark Side of Seoul https://www.darksideofseoul.com/ Seoul Hike: https://seoulhike.com/ Arthropod: Kevin O'Shea Insect Loving Educator https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/arthro-pod/id920537000?l=en&i=1000612824240 ©Copyright Kevin O'Shea 2023
Just Asia - 13: Creative Education in China and Korea with Jason Reagin
May 11 2023
Just Asia - 13: Creative Education in China and Korea with Jason Reagin
In this episode, we chat with Jason Reagin. Jason is an American educator, creator, and curriculum coordinator based in Beijing, China. Until recently he was based in South Korea where he worked and created the #DesignCast Podcast. He recently moved back to China, for the second time, with his family, during the very sticky and tricky Zero Cover days. Jason is now podcasting, creating art, and making content for YouTube. He does this while working in an administrative position at one of the best schools in Asia.  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkevInstagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlifeYouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Follow Jason: #DesignCast Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/design-cast/id1247751652 Reagin Creative (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@ReaginCreative Follow Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/diskon4no ©Copyright - Kevin O'Shea 2023
Just Asia - 12: Living in Small Town Japan with Casey Bean
May 4 2023
Just Asia - 12: Living in Small Town Japan with Casey Bean
Just Asia 12 - Living in Small-Town Japan with Casey Bean In this episode, we chat with Casey Bean, an American living in Ishikawa Prefecture 石川県. He talks about how he found his way to Japan, life in a slower-paced area of Japan, and his podcasts, The Bean Pod, and Ishikawa Summit to Sea. We also talk about forest gardening, chickens, and recording original music, and Casey advises listeners seeking the slow life in rural Japan.  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Casey’s Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TBeanpod The Bean Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-beanpod-podcast/id1466025228 Ishikawa Summit to Sea: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ishikawa-summit-to-sea/id1528933719 Casey’s original music: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/artist/casey-bean/1651202917?l=en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1S3zduDWaH7xzmwbuP3t8p?si=C52ld3tPTlmsp83-ewfImQ&nd=1 Bandcamp Album Links: https://caseybean.bandcamp.com/album/black-white https://caseybean.bandcamp.com/album/before-dark ©Copyright - Kevin O'Shea 2023
Just Asia - 11: From China to Scotland with Scott Greer
Apr 29 2023
Just Asia - 11: From China to Scotland with Scott Greer
In this episode, host Kevin O’Shea chats with China-based expat, Scott Greer about his years in China. Scott is from Canada and has lived and worked in a number of places in China. He stuck things out through the very hard years of Zero Covid, and is now exiting China to start the next chapter of his life in Scotland. Scott is also a content creator who documents life in Shenzhen, China on Twitter (@KiltTilter) and with his YouTube channel.  Follow the Podcast on social media: Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Scott on Twitter (Follow): https://twitter.com/KiltTilter Scott Greer on YouTube (SUBSCRIBE): https://www.youtube.com/@scottg2754 ©Copyright - Kevin O'Shea 2023
Just Asia - 10: Being a YouTuber in China with Austin Guidry (Austin in China)
Apr 20 2023
Just Asia - 10: Being a YouTuber in China with Austin Guidry (Austin in China)
In Episode 10 of the podcast, host Kevin O’Shea chats with China-based content creator and YouTuber Austin Guidry. Austin is originally from the United States and has called China home for more than 14 years. His YouTube channel, Austin in China, is one of the bigger channels that focuses on living in China. He also discusses the various places he’s lived in and how the challenges of the Zero Covid years changed the landscape for content creators in the country.  Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Austin in China on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@austinguidry2 ©Copyright - Kevin O'Shea 2023
Just Asia - 9: Maintaining Traditions in Japan with Riki Ohkanda (Paprika Girl)
Apr 12 2023
Just Asia - 9: Maintaining Traditions in Japan with Riki Ohkanda (Paprika Girl)
In Episode 9, Kevin has a fantastic chat with television producer and Japan-based personality, Riki Ohkanda. Riki has a passion for celebrating the Japanese kimono and other aspects of traditional living in Japan. She can often be seen on Twitter sharing her impressive kimono knowledge and fashion and was recently featured on an NHK World television program about the iconic traveler, Isabella Bird. She talks about how she arrived in Japan, became interested in the culture, and uses Twitter to share positivity and a love of Japan.  Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Riki Ohkanda on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaprikaGirl_JP ©Copyright - Kevin O'Shea 2023
Just Asia - 8: 11 Years in Japan with Andrew Higgins
Apr 5 2023
Just Asia - 8: 11 Years in Japan with Andrew Higgins
Our first episode with a guest! Kevin chats with Japan-based content creator Andrew Higgins. Andrew appeared on many episodes of the Just Japan Podcast. We catch up after several years. We chat about his 11 years in Japan and some of the ups and downs of living abroad in Japan.  Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  Andrew Higgins: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HigginsInJapan Twitter: https://twitter.com/Higgins82 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higgbones/ ©Copyright - Kevin O'Shea 2023
Just Asia - 7: Attack of the Pokemon Soda Water!
Apr 1 2023
Just Asia - 7: Attack of the Pokemon Soda Water!
This week Kevin talks about his son’s graduation from the equivalent of Japanese Primary school. His daughter’s last musical performance in China, guests coming on the podcast to share their stories, and more. He even talks about delicious Pokemon soda! Listen to the podcast about expat life abroad in China, Japan, and soon Malaysia.  Join the NEW GROUP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652187626755803 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadForMaple Instagram (travel and life): https://instagram.com/jlandkev Instagram (nature stuff): https://instagram.com/shizenwildlife YouTube: http://youtube.com/@busankevin  ©Copyright - Kevin O'Shea 2023