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The China History Podcast

Latest episodes

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Dec 5, 2023 • 13min

S8E10 | Don't Count Me Out Yet

For the second time in a row, we feature the Cao Family of Wei in a Chinese Sayings Podcast Episode. This one concerns a story of someone who made the grade late in life. There are a lot of people in history who all throughout their early years and even into their prime, didn't make much of their life. But come their 50's or 60's they achieve greatness. This time we look at Dà Qì Wǎn Chéng 大器晚成 and the story of Cui Yan and his no-good young relative Cui Lin. February 1, 2024, I'll be in London as part of the opening festivities for an exhibition at the London Science Museum. Details here: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/zimingzhong Thanks everyone for another great season of The Chinese Sayings Podcast. Special episode coming next time featuring Emma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 19, 2023 • 13min

S8E09 | Why Can't We Live Together

Explore the mutual enmity between Cao Cao and Sun Quan during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Learn about the Battle of Red Cliffs and the Chinese saying 'Changyu'. Discover the strategic choices faced by Sun Chen and the defeat of Wei in the Battle of Redcliffs. Emphasizes the need for peaceful resolutions and the concept of 'Shur Bu Liang Li'.
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16 snips
Nov 12, 2023 • 46min

Ep. 338 | The History of Chinese Medicine (Part 2)

Delve into ancient Chinese medicine with a focus on The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, exploring meridians, Qi, Yin and Yang, and the five elements. Learn how the ancients sought harmony and equilibrium for overall well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Discover the historical origins of medical texts and the nine needles used in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting healing.
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Oct 22, 2023 • 13min

S8E08 | Let's Stick Together

Once again, for all CHP listeners, I'm featuring the latest episode of the Chinese Sayings Podcast. It's said that we human beings have been called social animals by nature. Some of us love other kinds of people more than others do. But no matter how enamored one might be about another culture, nation, or people, we all tend to stick with our own kind. This 4th Century BC Chinese Saying comes from "The Strategies of the Warring States." and concerns the witty and capable minister to King Wei of Qi and his son King Xuan: Chunyu Kun. King Xuan needed to round up several talented souls to help him manage the Kingdom of Qi, where the stunning and beautiful Shandong Peninsula is located. Answering the king's call, Chunyu Kun gathered a whole bunch of worthy and talented men and schooled the king about how easy it was to find them. This is the story behind Wù Yǐ Lèi Jù 物以类聚. I also mentioned another chengyu that goes along with this episode: yīmíng jīngrén 一鸣惊人. You get that one too, at no extra cost, I might add. Only two more episodes to go for this season. Like last time in Season 7, be looking for un episodio extra especial featuring our hardworking and brilliant 领导 of the 成语研究中心 in Beijing: Emma. Looking forward to seeing some of you in Hong Kong during my few days there. My deepest gratitude for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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33 snips
Oct 15, 2023 • 44min

Ep. 337 | The History of Chinese Medicine (Part 1)

Explore the basics and achievements of China's earliest physicians, including mythical and known figures. Delve into the Shanghai Jing, an ancient text on Chinese medicine, and learn about legendary physician bian qi. Discover the stories of ancient Chinese physicians Lee She, Bientre, Chunyu Yi, and influential figures Huatuo, Changchong Jing, and Huangfu Mi.
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Oct 8, 2023 • 9min

S8E07 | Help!

We're back for the seventh time this season. This time we're happy to feature once again the great Daoist philosopher who never disappoints. This story about the fish in a rut is a rather well-known one from the Outer Chapters of The Zhuangzi, or Second Book of the Dao as it's sometimes called. Zhuangzi himself stars in today's episode: Hé Zhé Zhī Fù 涸辙之鲋. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sep 24, 2023 • 9min

S8E06 | Looks can be deceiving

Learn about the meaning of the Chinese saying 'Huar, Boucher' and its historical context. Discover the story of an innkeeper who joins a diplomatic mission, only to realize the true nature of a self-important minister. Uncover the themes of deception and appearances in this entertaining episode.
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Sep 17, 2023 • 45min

Ep. 336 | Guiguzi, The Sage of Ghost Valley

Discover the enigmatic figure of Guiguzi, mentioned in ancient texts but shrouded in mystery. Explore the strategies of the School of Diplomacy and their practical applications. Learn about the evolution of Guiguzi's book from rhetoric to military strategy and the power dynamics between warring states. Unravel the deception of Sun Bin, who achieves victories and completes his military treatise.
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Sep 10, 2023 • 16min

S8E05 | Shock the Monkey

Lovers of all things Song Dynasty will surely recall the story of Qin Hui. He has top billing in this tale concerning the story behind Shù Dǎo Húsūn Sàn 树倒猢狲散. This one has practical applications these days when we see political and corporate leaders fall from grace. When that happens, we often get to view the spectacle of hangers-on and sycophants scattering and heading for the hills, to search once more for someone to suck up to. This Chinese Saying comes in handy when this happens. We all need someone to lean on. Make sure the one you choose has some staying power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sep 3, 2023 • 33min

Ep. 335 | Qian Xuesen (Part 2)

Qian Xuesen, a Chinese scientist, faced accusations of being a communist in the US during the Red Scare. Despite his contributions, he was deported back to China. He went on to make significant contributions to China's missile and space programs. The podcast explores the FBI investigation, Chen's struggles, negotiations during the Korean War, and Qian's return to China.

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