

The Bridge to China
Acorn Studio
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 20, 2022 • 55min
A look at China’s pattern of giving humanitarian aid
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has and continues to grow global trade in ways that are bringing prosperity to every corner of the world. Even so, China often sends humanitarian aid to disaster zones before its global peers. From digging wells to building bridges, The Bridge brings you to the front lines of China’s global prosperity campaign. Find out more with Jason and BeiBei. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 2022 • 55min
That food looks good! But how to cook the dish?
Don’t listen while hungry – today’s show is all about food. Jesse Appell and Tom Xia discuss Chinese food and its role in sharing Chinese culture around the world, and at the nature of internet chefs being some of the most effective cultural bridges left in the US-China exchange. See if your favorite food channel gets a mention! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 18, 2022 • 55min
How is fatherhood changing these days?
The Bridge takes the long view at fatherhood. Our hosts see the emergence of a new type of father in the US, China and around the world. Are more men willing to take care of the kids and more women are making higher salary? Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 15, 2022 • 55min
Why is standup comedy so popular in China?
Grab the mic! Jesse shares stories of his 10+ years in the Chinese standup comedy scene, how it grew and evolved, and where the future of comedy is heading. Tom and Jesse discuss their roles as Chinese TV show writers and how to make people laugh in another country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 13, 2022 • 55min
Is it a vacation if you Don't take a selfie?
Yes, yes, the world is kind of still enduring the pandemic, but that doesn't stop us from sharing travel stories! Jesse and Tom share stories of their favorite places in China and America to visit, what made them so good, and each culture's evolving view on where and why to travel. Also, what the internet is doing to our ideas of travel, and is it really getting away from it all if you're documenting the whole trip on stories? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 2022 • 55min
What is the documentary A Christmas Without China all about?
Lights, Camera, Action! This episode, Jesse talks to co-host Tom Xia about his experience directing films in China, why he was inspired to start making movies as a Chinese-American growing up in LA, and the nature of the film industry in both China and the US. He once filmed a documtary 'Christmas Without China' to see whether an American family could make it through a Christmas without using anything made in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 2022 • 55min
Studying abroad at USC: not what we expected!
Jesse Appell is the guest host of The Bridge. Jesse is an American comedian who spent nine years performing stand-up comedy in Chinese and enjoys a large fan base in China. In this special episode, Jesse interviews students from the Chinese Students Association of University of Southern California, and finds some kindred spirits whose experiences of studying abroad in America mirror her own of studying in China. What is the biggest challenge for Chinese living in America nowadays? And how does living in another country change someone? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 28, 2022 • 55min
Settling down in a new city? Everything starts with renting
Eviction Moratoriums are ending soon in waves across many states in the U.S.. Real estate is being bought up by Wall Street. How can you stay ahead in the new game? We discuss trends in renting and buying a home in The US and abroad. You need to tune in to this episode of The Bridge with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 23, 2022 • 55min
Is the fear of growing older the same in different cultures?
As people approach their twilight years, often there is some fear of growing older. The Bridge looks at the issue of aging throughout our lives, what it means, and how different cultures around the world see themselves and each other at different times in their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 22, 2022 • 55min
How to make a science fiction movie in China?
The Bridge asks a pair of professional director-producers about what it takes to make a movie in today’s market. We discuss the growing genre of science fiction in China, shooting in extreme weather, and what it is like working in the fast pace business of visual media. Linq Yim, originally from Hong Kong, who studied in New York and now lives in Beijing. He won the ‘Sky Award’ at the Pingyao Film Festival. Sheena Tang is a movie producer, and she’s won awards at the Beijing International Film Festival in 2020. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.