I’m Michael Saville — an Australian living in the United States, trying to understand the subtle differences between cultures.
Not the loud ones. The quiet ones.
After years of living overseas, I realised the most interesting cultural differences aren’t the obvious stereotypes — they’re the small habits, the unspoken rules, the moments that make you pause mid-sentence.
This work is an attempt to notice those things.
From Down Under to Down South
From Down Under to Down South is a body of commentary — through video, podcast, and writing — exploring life in America through an Australian lens.
It isn’t about declaring one culture better than another.
It’s about observation. Reflection. Perspective.
I grew up in Australia and now live in Tennessee.
I’ve spent years noticing the things that don’t quite translate — accents, politeness, humour, identity, belonging.
Somewhere along the way, that became the work.
I’m interested in the quiet things — the details that reveal who we are when we’re not trying to perform.