The Bridge to China - podcast cover

The Bridge to China

Acorn Studioshows.acast.com
Our hosts, from the US and China, discuss what unites us. Using enlightening stories and brilliant guests from all walks of life, we join hands in laughter, building bridges across our cultural world. This is The Bridge to China.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Women hold up half the sky: gender and STEM in 2023

As Women’s Day approaches, we at The Bridge discuss trending topics regarding the lives of ladies across the globe. From gender gaps in the digital industry, to gender-based violence and female leadership, we survey the landscape of inclusivity. Our hosts from China and the US bring you fresh insights into the often-hidden struggles of women around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 07, 202353 minEp. 196

What does China's democratic process look like?

China's 'Two Sessions' is being held in Beijing. Folks outside China have little understanding of China's democratic processes. In 2022, research group 'Latana' proved Chinese folks were more likely to rank the Chinese government as 'democratic' than any other nation in the world would rank their own. With so little known in the West about what China calls "Whole-Process People's Democracy," we at The Bridge discuss the moving parts of this democratic system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

Mar 06, 202354 minEp. 195

China’s annual Two Sessions will decide this year’s goals: what are the Two Sessions and what matter the most to Chinese people?

The "Two Sessions", the biggest annual event on China's political calendar, will begin this weekend. Thousands of national lawmakers and political advisors will gather for these important political meetings that cover every aspect of China's development and people's wellbeing. The lawmakers and political advisors are from all walks of life in China, including farmers, workers, teachers…people from different regions and ethnic groups. The ideas and advices of regular Chinese folks sound a lot lik...

Mar 03, 202355 minEp. 194

From mandatory going above to quiet quitting, media can’t keep its story straight: we tell you what’s what

From exceeding your job description to quiet-quitting and lying-flat, the media sells us a mixed bag of seemingly incompatible narratives. So, which is it? Are we working too much or not enough? Alex and Jason delineate the borders of our changing career landscapes. If you want to avoid the landmines of today’s office culture, this episode is mandatory. So set your podcast to The Bridge, sit back and enjoy your compulsory relax time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 01, 202354 minEp. 193

Chinese tourists spend more on international tourism than any nation on earth: Who will win their hearts?

According to a CNN article from January 27th, Louis Vuitton - Moët Hennessy, commonly known as LVMH, "cheers the 'spectacular' return of Chinese tourists." With hundreds of billions of dollars of income in the global tourism game at stake, who will win-over Chinese travelers? What are Chinese travelers looking for as they tour the globe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 202353 minEp. 192

What is reverse mentorship and how are the young mentoring the old?

Is the dynamic of "mentorship" changing shape? While mid-level leaders are still learning from seasoned professionals, a new tradition is trending. "Reverse Mentorship" is younger employees showing their mature leaders the ropes of new tech. We talk about youths volunteering to help retirees use social media. What can interns teach CEOs? Is your workplace is in need of a shakeup?. Alex explains trends in Chinese social media to Jason. This is The Bridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Feb 24, 202355 minEp. 191

Meet an American Doctor-Musician-Community Organizer Whose Whole Life is Helping Others

From community organizer and volunteer in the US to winning China’s “Friendship” award and working as a volunteer across China, Dr. Mark Levine uses his time to help others. Need inspiration to change the world? Listen to a singer song writer building bridges between the US and China through Music, education, writing and giving back to the global community. He inspires our host; he’ll inspire you. And he concludes the show with an inspirational piece of music. This is The Bridge: our interview w...

Feb 23, 20231 hr 2 minEp. 190

As anti-Asian hate crimes persist in the West: we look at why and what you can do

We discuss the latest cases of anti-Asian hate crimes, anti-Black hate crimes and the roots that got us here. We examine the history, the political causes, and the role of big media companies in encouraging hate. What does economics have to do with the safety of our citizens? Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 202355 minEp. 189

Is the toxic-train-wreck event in Ohio a symptom of a larger emergency?

Following a train wreck in Ohio of 20 cargo containers of toxic materials, the New York Post reports "animals falling sick, dying near hellish Ohio train derailment site" and ABC News reports that "there were more toxic chemicals on train that derailed in Ohio than originally reported." A dozen train wrecks have taken place across the US already this year and it's only February. What is happening? Why is it happening? The Bridge takes a deep dive to clear up the muddy waters with BeiBei and Jaso...

Feb 17, 202353 minEp. 188

China’s technological rise: where do Sino-US relations go from here?

Is China really a threat, or can we cooperate in technology and global development? Andy Mok, a former analyst for the Rand Corporation and current Fellow of CCG on the transformative technologies coming out of China. He discusses semi-conductors, the Chinese space station, the future of Huawei, and WeChat as a ‘remote for our lives.’ He shares his thoughts on how we can maintain global peace through empathy, benevolence and people to people exchanges at the highest levels of society. Hosted on ...

Feb 15, 202355 minEp. 187

From Flint, Michigan to Jackson, Mississippi: America's infrastructure crisis and what can be done

Alex Shi and Jason Smith discuss the surprising problems with water in the wealthiest nation on earth. When the world thinks of America, they think of a developed nation. So, why does the US have millions without access to clean water? We take a deep dive into the problem and how America can get back on track. And what is a hydro-climatologist? From the shores of the US to China, Africa, and Laos we discuss water --- our past, present, and future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more ...

Feb 12, 202353 minEp. 186

Can dancing save your mind and your life? You might want to start dancing now

New research from ‘The Journal of Aging and Human Activity’ demonstrates a connection between Ball Room Dancing and staving off dementia. The research indicates that dancing has a stronger impact on maintaining brain health than simply walking for exercise. Alex Shi discusses trends in dancing from China to the US and Cuba too. Join the discussion on the complex and varied world of dance. Want to become a social media giant in China? We tell you how. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

Feb 09, 202355 minEp. 185

Can you get in trouble for repairing your own iPhone? The answer might surprise you…

New York just passed a law giving folks the right to fix their own stuff. We at The Bridge delve into the growing world of repairing your own gizmos and gadgets. If you can’t fix something, do you really own it? From changing watch batteries to global Repair cafes, the world is turning to their communities to reduce waste and save money. This is too exciting to miss. Listen in and be the talk of your friend circle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 07, 202354 minEp. 184

Insulating yourself from the possibility of a US recession

Alan Greenspan, former FED Chair, said recently that a “US recession is likely.” Does two years of white-hot inflation, coupled with student loans coming due in Q3 and rising interest rates mean a recession is inevitable? In this episode, Jason and Alex offer you tips, tricks and insights that you might need to insulate yourself and your family from a possible recession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 01, 202355 minEp. 183

From Colombia to ‘honorary citizen’ of China’s Dongguan city: 20 years in China as a media star

From YouTube to Bilibili and documentary making and more, today’s guest literally rewrote the signs in Dongguan. Listen in as an English, Chinese, and Spanish influencer tells personal tales of travelling in a RV across China to produce an all-encompassing documentary. Mr. Gao also shares with us his sky-diving, scuba-diving, strongman-competition-finishing stories that are too good to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 31, 202354 minEp. 182

A British voice actor on becoming the Monkey King and the Chinese stand-up comedy scene

British stand-up comedian Kei Gambit describes the process of becoming the most well-known fictional character in China: The Monkey King. We ask him how he prepares for roles in movies like Moon Man, The Wandering Earth II and Battle for Changjin Lake. He and Alex discuss comedy clubs in Beijing and China. From a comic series and universe to publishing fantasy novels, Kei’s portfolio in media is hard to measure in scope. You’ll want to hear the stories of how this former Liverpool police officer...

Jan 30, 202355 minEp. 181

How China’s optimization of COVID-19 response measures made history and saved Spring Festival

We invite UK-Australian key opinion leader and media commentator Jerry Grey for a discussion of China’s rebound. We talk about China’s feverish December hibernation and then rebound in consumerism. If you want the truth about life in China today, this episode will set the record straight. Who got COVID? Did Beijing turn into a ghost town? How did the biggest New Year’s Eve in years kick off after three weeks of hibernation across the fastest growing major economy in the world? Join in the discus...

Jan 19, 202351 minEp. 180

Bustling again!What's your travel plan for 2023?

Starting from January, passport applications have been resumed for outbound travelers in China. This is coupled with the removal of COVID tests and quarantine for all inbound traffic. With Chinese tourists spending twice as much as any other nation in 2019, the return of the tourism based global economy is here once again. We break down the business of busy businesses in the heart of the fastest growing major economy on earth. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

Jan 16, 202355 minEp. 179

Are our kids safe having the internet in the palm of their hand?

Jason and Beibei discuss the cultural similarities and differences between the US and China regarding kids having smartphones. Will your child be exposed to dangers real and digital? Or are smartphones indispensable to keeping up with the new digital literacy? What’s the balance between getting left behind and being exposed to all the information in the world? Increasingly Chinese kids have watches which watch out for them. We tell you how to keep your kids safe in a world of ones and zeros. Hos...

Jan 13, 202353 minEp. 178

We interview an American influencer about his spiritual quests in China

Noah Kartha has already lived in three Chinese cities in his three years in China. Join us as he tells stories about the real life fairyland in Harbin. He explains why he walked 120,000 steps in the city of Ningbo in China. And he tells us about his family adventures throughout India and what he misses about the US. And what else does Chengdu have to offer other than pandas and hot pots? He also tells us about his favorite place on earth. Now where could that be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

Jan 10, 202354 minEp. 177

Influencer King Kwesi: my life in a coastal city of Weihai in China

Which coastal city in China is attractive to expats? YouTuber and IG-Fashion-Influencer King Kwesi joins The Bridge. This influencer defines what’s trending unto himself. Listen in to how he made China his home, his take on fashion, food fusion, and building bridge between Africa and China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 05, 202350 minEp. 176

What are the most beloved pets across the Pacific?

Recent study reveals that 38% of people managed to cope with anxiety and stress during the pandemic with the companionship from their pets. Ever wondered which animals are the most well-loved pets across cultures and continents? Can dogs cry tears of joy? Listen in and learn about the pets that are loved by 60 million Chinese families. Jason even tries to convince Beibei to adopt a dog… Will he succeed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 03, 202351 minEp. 175

The Bridge Team Wraps up 2022 with Encouraging Stories around the World

Sick of sickening stories and news? Tired of tiring tales of 2022? We at The Bridge give you reasons to realize that 2022 has had plenty to be celebrated. From renewable energy, rockets, and twin spacecrafts at the space station and 100% green energy grid in California, 2022 was actually quite spectacular. Listen in, relax, and let's share the good news. Jason and BeiBei. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 31, 202251 minEp. 174

We interview Dr. Jeffrey Sachs about his thoughts on China, the US and sustainable development

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, holder of 42 doctorates, world-renowned economics Professor, bestselling author and president of the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network, joins The Bridge. He discusses his ideas on the US-China relationship. We ask him how China and the US can work together to build a shared future. He explains how the US, Europe and China can work together to help develop Africa and other developing regions of the world for the benefit of everyone. This interview might just change...

Dec 29, 202256 minEp. 173

We’re told never give up. Is it time to reconsider?

It's another year-end, and many have started to set up their new year's goal. What's practical and what's not? Can you work yourself to death? 2% of people who exercise suffer from exercise-associated hemorrhage according to Dr. Vivek Nambiar. Too little exercise can also lead to unpleasant consequences… Everything in moderation is a part of Chinese cultural outlook according to co-host Beibei. Listen in and be a part of the conversation on The Bridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...

Dec 27, 202255 minEp. 172

From Christmas in Beijing to feeding your Christmas trees to rhinos?

Jason and Alex bring you the Christmas angle you weren’t expecting. What is Christmas like in Beijing? Tens of millions of Christmas trees are wasted each year worldwide. Have you considered donating them to the nearest zoo? We talk turkey and the trending Christmas concepts lighting the way by starlight to your childhood memories. Listen, like, and lose yourself in the hilarity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 23, 202256 minEp. 171

What are the worst of the worst bad airplane deeds from around the world today?

It's time to go home and see your family before Christmas or travel to some beautiful place to celebrate the New Year, but do you want to take a long flight where every passenger has their own musical instrument? Sounds either like a dream or a nightmare depending on who you are. This happened. Hear about the hilarious online ratio that has an airline rethinking its marketing strategy. Drinking, fighting, and taking over the intercom are just the start. We have the absolute funniest and most fri...

Dec 21, 202255 minEp. 170

Is our inability to agree tearing us apart: how can we end the hostility?

Persuasion also means willing to be persuaded. What is cordial discourse? How does it work? And where do we begin? From marketing to the logic of the Greeks, Beibei and Jason fill your tool kit. We give you the means to being nice, while changing hearts and minds. Like, subscribe and relax. We’ve got this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 15, 202255 minEp. 169

Ahem! Utterances and gestures that can get you in trouble around the world

Some know that the peace sign is an insult in certain countries but did you know that crossing your fingers for luck could also mean number ten or ‘I’m Lying’? Do you know the hand gestures for counting one to ten? We’ve got that too. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 12, 202253 minEp. 168

The great re-imagination: has time in isolation changed people for the better?

Millions of folks all over the world have spent time in isolation. We discuss the newly minted term ‘The Great Re-imagination.’ From divorces to new romance, meditation, dietary changes and upgraded skill sets, the world is not the same. Tens of millions of Americans have changed their jobs. Millions of others have learned new skills or gone back to university. Have people’s skills and priorities been upgraded? Listen in and we’ll let you in on today’s trends with BeiBei and Jason on The Bridge....

Dec 10, 202255 minEp. 167
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