Ever wondered what it’s like to live as a “John Smith”? Well, Abdullah Najjar can tell you—because he did just that! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) world of names. Abdullah shares his experience adopting the most common name in the Western world while in Libya, all in an effort to sound less… well, too “exotic”. Spoiler alert: It didn’t go exactly as planned.
From the Roman naming system to the complexities of “Gunther” and “Gustav,” we explore how names shape our identity and perceptions. We also tackle the emotional weight behind some names (yes, even “John Smith” has its baggage). Along the way, we learn how names tie us to history, culture, and sometimes—whether we like it or not—awkward dinner conversations.
So, whether you’re curious about the origin of your name or just need a good laugh at the expense of “John Smith,” tune in! It’s the perfect episode to listen to while traveling, relaxing, or contemplating whether you should change your name to something more… memorable.
