
Chiwi Journal
Conversations between global citizens on culture observation, digital transformation and self-actualisation.
Host Camellia Yang, a Chinese New Zealander, interviews people she met on her digital nomad journey who are on a unique path to creating a better future and shares the lessons and tips they learned.
Season One (1 - 111 episodes) is in Chinese.
Season Two (112 episodes - current) is in English.
Latest episodes

Dec 18, 2024 • 45min
#160: Inside Network School 4 | Conversation with Alyssa Phelps
In this episode, we welcome Alyssa Phelps, an artist and former professional in international trade research and taxation. Currently based at the Network School, Alyssa shares her passion for women's health, sustainable fashion, and creative arts, including her journey into tufted art and silversmithing.
Topics Covered:
1. Women's Health and Period Products:
- Alyssa's personal journey into investigating the safety of period products.
- Key findings on harmful substances in period products, including PFAS, dioxins, and heavy metals.
- Discussion on the lack of mandatory safety tests in the industry.
- Suggestions for safer product choices and the importance of consumer education.
2. The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion:
- How fast fashion contributes to environmental harm through overproduction and poor-quality materials.
- Alyssa's thoughts on the addictive nature of platforms like Shein and their negative impact on personal and environmental health.
3. The Value of Secondhand Clothing:
- Benefits of thrifting: uniqueness, quality, and environmental sustainability.
- Overcoming stereotypes around hygiene and secondhand shopping.
- Tips for finding secondhand treasures and repurposing vintage items creatively.
4. Creative Pursuits and Sustainability in Art:
- Alyssa's process for creating a tufted snake vase, inspired by Vietnamese artist Shishi San.
- The role of art in sustainability and self-expression.
5. Fashion Evolution and Personal Style:
- How to develop personal style using tools like Pinterest and mood boards.
- The importance of quality over quantity in curating a wardrobe.
6. The Broader Impact of Sustainability:
- Insights into the need for a systemic change in both fashion and women's health industries.
- The role of informed consumers and creative thinkers in shaping a more sustainable future.
Resources Mentioned:
Network School
Dr. Shanna Swan
1638 - Dr. Shanna Swan - The Joe Rogan Experience
Global Organic Textile Standard: Home - GOTS
Follow Alyssa on IG
Dr. Stacy Sims: Female-Specific Exercise & Nutrition for Health, Performance & Longevity
MAMAVATION | Non-Toxic Products For Healthy Families
Natural Pads for Periods - Natracare
GoodwillFinds: Online Thrift Store
How Dangerous Are Lululemon Leggings?
Toxic fabrics in Shein’s clothes: what are the materials to avoid?
Shishi San’s Vibrant Tufted Sculptures Celebrate the Colorful Motifs of Chinese Vases
Alyssa will soon be sharing content on sustainable style, thrifting tips, and identifying quality garments. Stay tuned for her website link, which will be added to this page as it becomes available.

Dec 10, 2024 • 19min
#159: Inside Network School 3 | Conversation with Björn Öeste
In this conversation, Björn Öeste discusses the Darksun.is project, an AI agent designed to explore esoteric knowledge and connect disparate ideas. The project includes a meme coin and aims to enrich the marketplace of ideas by uncovering suppressed knowledge.
Björn Öeste shared the significance of the #binary meme, the role of the AI agent Holmes, and the importance of community engagement through gamification content. He also touches on decentralized archaeology and the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the team's dynamics and future plans.
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
darksun.is
Follow Björn Ö
Follow Mitch
The Network School events
Why I created darksun
Nemesis Star Theory: The Sun's 'Death Star' Companion
Robert Sutton Harrington
Michael Saylor
Nemesis Star Theory w/Neil deGrasse Tyson
The Three-Body Problem
The Network School

Dec 5, 2024 • 45min
#158: Inside Network School 2 | Conversation with Neter & Mili
INTRO
My guests today are Mili and Neter, my classmates from the Network School. In this episode, we reflect on our experiences so far, dive into some exciting ideas from our lectures and discussions, and share our personal journeys in crypto and beyond. Whether you're curious about the Network School or the future of decentralised living, this episode has something for you.
WE DISCUSSED:
Two months in: Our lives at the Network School and daily routines
Highlights from student-led events and how AI can help you understand yourself better
Guest speaker insights and Balaji's thought-provoking lectures
Pop-up cities and the concept of network state nodes
How we entered the world of crypto and Bitcoin hitting $100K
Our plans for life after finishing the Network School
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
The Network School
The Network State
The Network School events
My First Million Podcast with Ryan Peterson
Vitalik Buterin's website
Inside Network School X Thread
Zuzalu City

Oct 27, 2024 • 49min
#157:Inside Network School | Conversation with Berkeley Wanner and Sterlin Lujan
Intro
My guests today are Berkeley Wanner and Sterlin Lujan. In this episode, we discussed their journeys into cryptocurrency, the influence of Balaji's ideas, and their experiences within the Network School.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Network School and Guests
02:50 Philosophical Foundations of Cryptocurrency
06:39 Experiences with Balaji's Ideas
10:07 Application Process for Network School
13:49 Daily Life and Structure at Network School
34:47 Expectations and Future of Network School
39:57 Advice for Future Network Schoolers
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
The Network School
Follow Berkeley Wanner
Follow Sterlin Lujan
A Newsletter That Pays You
Timothy C. May: Libertaria in Cyberspace
Blueprint Bryan Johnson
Lu.ma
Toastmasters
Counter Governance Substack
The Network State
Praxis Gets $525 Million in Commitments for Planned ‘Heroic’ City
Zuzalu City
H.L. Mencken
Burning Man

Oct 11, 2024 • 56min
#156: Language Preservation, LLMs, Arctic World Archive, OSV and Skateboarding Culture with Jack Connor
My guest today is Jack Connor, a linguist, programmer, and author who speaks more than seven languages and has built various AI language technologies. In 2023, Jack launched a project to preserve endangered languages, believing that losing a language means losing an entire culture. Outside of his work, Jack is also a semi-professional skateboarder and has lived in ten countries.
TIMELINE
00:57 Introduction to Language Preservation and LLMs
03:23 The Importance of Navajo Language and Its History
05:58 The Arctic World Archive and Language Storage
08:28 Cultural Significance of Language Preservation
11:15 AI's Role in Language Preservation and Revitalization
13:43 Challenges in Preserving Living Languages
16:32 Traditional vs. Modern Methods of Language Preservation
21:16 Preserving Languages Through Technology
22:22 Working with Native Speakers for Accuracy
23:46 The Importance of Quality Assurance in AI
25:14 The Risks of Machine-Generated Content
25:49 Language Diversity and Dialects
27:42 The Complexity of Language Classification
29:28 Cultural Exchange and Language Learning
30:53 Skateboarding and Language Preservation
33:50 Self-Motivation in Learning Languages
36:01 Experiencing Culture Through Language
37:57 Global Trends in Language Extinction
41:13 Cultural Connections Through Language
42:42 Preserving Endangered Languages
48:52 The Role of Fellowships in Language Projects
53:45 Language Learning and Cultural Immersion
56:01 Linguistic Determinism in Sci-Fi
58:57 Future of Language Preservation and AI's Expanding Role
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
Follow Jack Connor on Twitter
Navajo language
[Navajo Code Talkers](https://www.britannica.com/story/navajo-code-talkers-infographic#:~:text=That language had no alphabet,code based on word substitution.)
Code Talker, book by Chester Nez
The Future of Data Preservation - AWA
Sami language
Naba language
Basque language
Mutual intelligibility
Cahuilla language
Documenting Endangered Languages: 𝕏 Interview
O'Shaughnessy Fellowships
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

Aug 12, 2024 • 53min
#155: Creative Codex, Carl Jung, Misfit Artists, Tragic Heroes, and Creative Genius with MJDorian
My guest today is MJDorian, the host of one of my favourite shows Creative Codex. He is also an artist and composer.
In today’s episode, we talked about…
Behind the Scenes: An inside look at the making of the podcast show, Creative Codex.
Carl Jung’s Influence: How Carl Jung’s work has shaped MJDorian's creative process and influenced the reading of The Red Book.
Modern Impact: What makes Carl Jung's work particularly compelling for today's artists and creatives?
William Blake Encounter: The mysterious and unexplainable experience with William Blake’s iconic painting, The Ancient of Days.
Nikola Tesla’s Paradox: Discussing the paradox of Tesla's genius and how his innovative approach can inspire modern artists.
Kurt Cobain’s Symbolism: Interpreting the rich symbolism and personal references found in Kurt Cobain's lyrics.
Children’s Drawings: Observations on children's drawings and the exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.
Creative Decay: Strategies for artists to cope with creative decay, loss of inspiration, and overcoming writer’s block.
Dreams and Creativity: How recording dreams and taking naps can boost creativity and enhance artistic expression.
Resources Highlighted in This Episode
MJDorian’s website
The Third Eye Drops Podcast
The Red Book (Jung)
MJDorian Patreon
My Spiritual Odyssey
The Ancient of Days
Nikola Tesla & The Paradox of Genius
Alexander McQueen • Woven in Shadows
Jimi Hendrix Electrifies The Star Spangled Banner
Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
The Magic Secrets of Salvador Dali
Caravaggio: 100 Famous Paintings Analysis and Biography
Chiaroscuro
Leonor Fini • The Dark Masquerade

Jul 4, 2024 • 33min
Monologue: Wondrous Encounters in the Heart of the Mountains
In May this year, in Manchester, I witnessed an aurora reminiscent of angels descending to earth. Later, I came across trending news on X about a blue meteor appearing in Portugal. Coupled with constantly seeing fractal geometries in purple, gold, and green during breathwork sessions, and Buddhist mandala patterns, I've been in a dreamlike state, prompting me to ask myself deeply: What exactly is our universe up to?
During a recent breathwork session, I suddenly saw my Huachuma (San Pedro) guide playing the flute in the valley, calling me back into the embrace of one of Peru's most sacred plants. So, I immediately booked a train ticket and headed to The Lighthouse Retreat to seek guidance and find clarity.
The past four days in the remote mountains of Portugal felt like I've lived millions of years, experiencing the joys and sorrows of everything... I wanted to record my thoughts and feelings, but I realised the limitations of written words. So, I'll leave these scattered notes here, in the hope that if you happen to stumble upon this piece, you can personally experience this natural gift and interpret the messages that Huachuma communicates through your own bodily sensations.
Books/links mentioned in this episode:
The Lighthouse Retreat
Transcendental Meditation
Exploring Psychedelic Journeys
Life is nothing but a grand role-playing game
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Sisyphus
The Doors
The Doors of Perception
The written article of this piece can be found on Chiwi Journal Substack

May 7, 2024 • 19min
Monologue: On Carl Jung
Based on the advice of an online mentor who suggests exploring influential books called 'earthquake books'—those that can significantly shake and impact our perspectives—one such powerful book is the profound works of Carl Jung.
As I explore Jung's works, certain sections of his books have left a lasting mark on how I perceive things, resonating deeply with my journey. So I recorded this episode to share my learnings.
Books/articles mentioned in this episode:
Memories, Dreams, Reflections: An Autobiography
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious
The Red Book
CATAFALQUE: Carl Jung and the End of Humanity
Tom Morgan's newsletter
In Basel
Rudolf Steiner
Goetheanum
Retrospect on My Two Years at Leipzig. 1868.
I Ching (易经)
Mandala
Higanbana
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
- Carl Jung

Mar 26, 2024 • 44min
#154: Premier League, Football Journalism, Interview Superstars, and Women in Football with Liv Wang
My guest today is Liv Wang, a renowned Premier League journalist with a massive following of millions. I've been a follower of Liv's work for quite some time now, admiring her unique content creation and interviewing style with Premier League footballers.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Liv in person during my visit to Manchester. Needless to say, it was an enlightening experience. So get ready for an insightful conversation about her journey, experiences, and perspectives in the world of football journalism.
In today’s episode, we talked about…
Passion for Football: Liv shares what drew her to football and the inspirations behind her decision to pursue a career in football journalism.
A Day in the Life: Discover what a typical day looks like for Liv as she covers Premier League press conferences and conducts player interviews
Cultural Insights: Liv reveals interesting cultural nuances, such as Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva's Chinese nickname, Jorginho's foray into writing Chinese characters and Anthony Elanga learning Chinese
Player Interviews: Liv discusses her experiences interviewing prominent players like Mo Salah, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland
Managing Online Presence: Learn how Liv navigates negative online comments and maintains a positive online presence, especially with a large follower base.
Social Initiatives: Liv shares her initiative during the Women's Football World Cup to distribute sanitary pads
Women's Football Development: Liv explores the development of women's football and addresses stereotypes surrounding female football fans
Behind the Scenes: Discover fun facts about Liv's job as a football journalist, along with the unique challenges she faces.
Premier League's Development in China: Delve into the Premier League's remarkable rise in the Chinese market and her perspective on the current state of Chinese football
Links mentioned in this episode
Premier League
Follow Liv Wang on Instagram
Ruben Dias’ nickname
“What a scarf” with Jude Bellingham
Essential Items Campaign

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 10min
#153: Special Episode: At Bakery CrossFit with Edu, Mel and Diogo
Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming three individuals to our conversation. Joining us are Luis Eduardo Arruda, not only a head Coach but also a co-owner of @thebakerycrossfit. Alongside him is Melissa Haun, a formidable athlete representing the Bakery Athletics team. And last but not least, we have Diogo Costa, who wears dual hats as both a data analyst at Revolut and an athlete within the Bakery Athletics team.
This podcast is being recorded live at Bakery Cafe. If you happen to be nearby, why not stop in for a cup of coffee or even join us for a training session at the Bakery CrossFit? We’d be super happy to have you here! So, get comfortable and let's delve into today's conversation.
Let's kick things off with a brief introduction to Edu, Melissa, and Diogo, and their deep involvement with Bakery CrossFit.
Ever wondered what CrossFit is all about? We'll delve into its significance, particularly exploring why the CrossFit Open holds such weight within the community.
Follow along as we trace Edu's coaching journey, culminating in his role as co-owner of the Bakery CrossFit Box.
The Bakery Athletes program
Discover how Diogo balances his role as a data analyst at Revolut with his dedication as a Bakery CrossFit athlete, leveraging his analytical skills to enhance his training.
Melissa shares her transatlantic journey from the USA to Europe, alongside a heartwarming love story with Edu.💗 We'll also explore her daily routine, balancing training with work commitments.
What makes Bakery CrossFit so special, delving into the creation of a supportive and inclusive community for all its members.
Conquering fear and cultivating mental resilience are key themes. Join us as we explore everyone's unique perspectives on competitions.
Discover how Edu collaborates with fellow coaches and staff to ensure members receive an excellent fitness experience.
Get to know the remarkable staff members and coaches at Bakery CrossFit, including another enchanting love story that blossomed within the box.💗
Being a vegan in the fitness world presents its challenges. We'll share valuable tips on maintaining nutritional balance to support optimal training.
Finally, we'll discuss the future vision for Bakery CrossFit and hear Mel and Diogo's aspirations, both as athletes and in their personal journeys ahead.
Bonus: Obi’s story 🐶❤️
Links mentioned in this episode
Join The Bakery CrossFit
Follow Edu, Mel, Diogo and coach Sara, Hugo, Slavik and Gui
CrossFit official website
CrossFit Open
Learn more about The Bakery Athletics
Visiting Bakery Cafe
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