David Horton, a writer and editor based in Beijing, China, shares stories of living and traveling throughout the USA and China. He discusses the current state of the ESL industry and the challenges of language learning. The podcast also explores topics such as mainstream media, political ideologies, punk shows, workout routines, diverse music scenes, and the speaker's approach to poetry and writing projects. They delve into ancient knowledge, mythologies, and the challenges of being a working musician. The podcast concludes with discussions on creating projects and living in Winnipeg, Canada.
Living and working in China as an expat can be challenging and comes with misconceptions and limitations.
Language learning requires consistency and regular practice to improve proficiency over time.
The author of Model Answers explores negative cohesion in poetry inspired by standardized tests.
The emergence of the middle class in China has transformed the society and economy, leading to increased consumption and urbanization.
Investing in real estate is seen as a reliable option for wealth accumulation and financial stability by the Chinese middle class, despite challenges in the market.
Chinese pop culture has influenced and inspired creative pursuits, leading to a vibrant and dynamic creative scene in China.
Deep dives
Working and Living in China
The podcast episode discusses the experience of working and living in China, particularly from the perspective of an expat. The guest, David Horton, shares his insights on expat life, his writing as a side passion, and his thoughts on art, culture, and music in China.
The Challenges of Being a Working Traveler
The podcast delves into the challenges and realities of being a working traveler in China. The guest, David Horton, highlights the difficulties and misconceptions surrounding this lifestyle, including the tiring nature of constant travel and the limitations it poses on personal time and leisure activities.
Exploring Language Learning and Teaching English
The podcast explores language learning experiences, particularly in the context of learning Chinese. The guest, David Horton, shares his journey of learning and teaching English, his experiences as an ESL teacher, and his approach towards teaching different subjects.
The Importance of Consistency in Language Learning
The podcast emphasizes the significance of consistency in language learning. The guest, David Horton, emphasizes the importance of regular practice and study to maintain progress and improve language proficiency over time.
Model Answers: An Exercise in Negative Cohesion
Model Answers is a poetry project that explores negative cohesion, taking inspiration from standardized tests. Each poem consists of paragraphs that do not connect at the beginning and end, but maintain a thematic connection throughout.
A Country Funeral: 50 Views of a Single Event
A project that revolves around a country funeral, with each poem written in a different poetic form. The goal is to present 50 different perspectives on the same event using various set forms.
Inspiration from Personal Experiences and Imagery
The author draws inspiration from personal experiences, such as their mom's funeral, as well as imagery from rural areas in Missouri. However, the poetry is not strictly biographical and often focuses on creating vivid images and exploring different ideas rather than personal narratives.
Reading Preferences
The author enjoys reading a variety of poetry, including the works of Keats and Carl Sandberg. They appreciate poets who offer unique perspectives and vivid imagery in their writing.
The rise of the middle class in China
One of the biggest changes in China since 2005 is the emergence of a middle class. This middle class has had a significant impact on the country as it has brought about changes in various aspects of society and economy. The growth of the middle class has resulted in increased consumption, higher living standards, and a shift in market preferences. This rise in the middle class has also led to increased urbanization and the development of new industries and sectors. Overall, the emergence of the middle class has played a crucial role in shaping and transforming the Chinese society and economy.
The challenges of Chinese real estate market
The Chinese real estate market faces several challenges, including an oversupply of housing stock, high property prices, and a large number of vacant properties. Despite these challenges, investing in real estate is still seen as a reliable and profitable investment option for many Chinese. The middle class, in particular, sees real estate as a way to accumulate wealth and secure financial stability. However, the high property prices and the oversupply of housing pose a risk to the sustainability of the real estate market in the long term.
The influence of Chinese pop culture on creative pursuits
Chinese pop culture, including music, film, and literature, has had a significant influence on creative pursuits in China. The rise of Chinese pop music and film industry has provided opportunities for artists, musicians, and filmmakers to showcase their talent and gain recognition. The popularity of Chinese pop culture has also created a demand for creative content that is relatable and appealing to the Chinese audience. As a result, many artists and creators are finding inspiration in Chinese pop culture and incorporating elements of it into their work. This fusion of traditional and contemporary influences has contributed to the vibrant and dynamic creative scene in China.
The evolving landscape of Chinese technology
Over the years, China has witnessed a rapid evolution in its technology sector. From being a manufacturing hub for tech products to becoming an innovator and leader in various tech fields. Chinese companies have made significant advancements in areas such as e-commerce, fintech, artificial intelligence, and mobile technology. The country's large population and growing middle class have provided a unique market for technology companies to test and scale their products. The government's support and investment in the tech sector have also fueled its growth. Overall, the Chinese technology landscape is constantly evolving and promises exciting opportunities for innovation and development.
This week I bring on another fellow expat here in Beijing and we talk a lot about what life is like in China both now and when he first came over over a decade ago. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, David is a writer and editor now based in Beijing, China and is an active participant in the arts community. In this episode David shares stories of living and travelling throughout the USA and China and some of the changes he’s seen over the last twenty years.
Also in the ESL industry, we talk about the current state of the industry and whether or not it’s a good idea for people to go overseas to teach these days. We also talk a lot about learning languages as we share a common challenge of currently learning Mandarin Chinese.
Some of the artists and creative types Dave mentions throughout the podcast:
Poets: Carl Sandburg, Wallace Stevens, Ezra Pound, John Berryman
Bands: The Mendoza Line, Black Flag, The Stooges, (maybe) Vladimir’s Universe
Chinese bands: Carsick Cars, Brain Failure, New Age of Decay
Rappers: Jackson Turner (RIP)
Gamelon guy: Lou Harrison
Artist/musician: Matthew Lusk (he has my 1983 drum machine)
