Rachel Weiss, co-host of Date Night China podcast, joins the Steven Sirski Podcast to talk about life in China, the inception of their podcast, and amplifying marginalized voices. They also discuss interracial relationships, language challenges, exploring opportunities abroad, NFTs, and teaching English in China. Plus, they share their unique experience visiting the black hills and the grand cant.
The Date Night China podcast focuses on the experiences of expats and Chinese people in dating, marriage, and relationships, challenging stereotypes and providing a platform for open discussions.
The hosts plan to expand the podcast by incorporating video interviews, creating bite-sized videos featuring diverse viewpoints on dating and relationships in China.
Living in China offers opportunities for personal growth and development, allowing individuals to interact with people from all over the world and explore new ideas.
Moving to China has its challenges, but being open-minded and adaptable can lead to a rewarding experience in the country.
Deep dives
Podcast Overview
In this podcast episode, the host interviews Rachel Weiss, co-host of the date night China podcast based in Beijing, China. They discuss their experiences in podcasting and living in China as expats. Rachel's podcast focuses on the experiences of both expats and Chinese people in dating, marriage, and relationships. The podcast aims to highlight diverse voices and challenge stereotypes. They also talk about the challenges and rewards of running their own podcast and their plans for the future, including creating video content.
Exploring Different Voices
The podcast aims to showcase diverse voices by interviewing both expats and Chinese people. They discuss the experiences of intercultural couples, intercultural relationships, and dating in China. By sharing personal stories and perspectives, the podcast challenges stereotypes and provides a platform for open discussions about relationships and cultural experiences.
Expansion to Video Content
The hosts discuss their plans to expand the podcast by incorporating video interviews. They want to create bite-sized videos featuring interviews with various individuals, showcasing different viewpoints on dating and relationships in China. However, the hosts acknowledge the challenges of video production and the need to balance their other commitments. They hope that the videos will provide an additional way to engage with their audience and share more diverse stories.
Reflections on Living in China as Expats
Throughout the podcast, the hosts reflect on their own experiences as expats living in China. They discuss the possibility of leaving China in the future, but acknowledge that they still find fulfillment in their work and personal projects. They highlight the opportunities and personal growth they have experienced while living in China, emphasizing the constant evolution of their professional and personal lives. While they are open to other possibilities, they continue to explore and embrace their current involvement in the country.
Opportunities in China
China offers various opportunities, especially in media and tech sectors. Many people are interested in working in these fields in China due to the intersection of culture, media, and personal interests. The combination of liking Chinese culture, wanting to explore new things, and meeting interesting people has made China an appealing destination for work and self-growth.
The Appeal of Living Abroad
Living in a different country, such as China, provides a unique and eye-opening experience. It allows individuals to interact with people from all over the world and exposes them to new ideas and perspectives. It can offer a break from one's familiar surroundings and provide opportunities for personal growth and development, particularly for those who come from small towns or conservative backgrounds. The chance to live in another country and explore different industries and interests is exciting and fulfilling.
Considerations for Moving to China
Moving to China has its challenges, particularly for teachers who feel limited in their ability to explore the country due to various restrictions. It is important to carefully research and consider the specific industry and location when moving to China. Teaching English remains a popular option, but fields like AI, media, and tech also offer opportunities. While there may be challenges and frustrations, being open-minded and adaptable can lead to a rewarding experience in China.
This episode another fellow expat, but this one is a known a bit around the foreigner circles that remain. One half of the Date Night China podcast team, Rachel Weiss, joins me to =day to talk about life here in China, what brought her here in the first place so many years ago, and how the idea for a “Date night” podcast came about. Her podcast has struck a chord with those expats who are left as it’s one of the few teams that is still putting on events around the cities for people to meet and greet.