The Honest Drink

Layla Chen is an English content creator and solopreneur.  She was formerly a trained actor in theatre and film in the UK.  Currently, she provides online training and coaching in English pronunciation, voice and public speaking to native Chinese around the world.  She graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London with a masters in screen acting.  She was also selected to be a leading international figure in the Forbes Global Alliance in 2024.  Today we talk about the role of language in our lives.  From language learning, miscommunication, cultural differences, dating and marriage.  Layla shares her experiences moving to the UK despite not speaking English, the challenges of fitting-in to a new culture and the impact it had when she returned to China.  We talk about communication styles and high-context vs low-context societies.  The conversation touches on the pressures of marriage in modern Chinese society, the evolving dynamics of relationships and expectations for gender roles.  We also talk about dating in the West vs China, the influence of social media on dating culture and how to know when you’ve met “the right person”. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.  

Today we talk about the psychology of texting, jumping to conclusions, and if we’re destined to repeat the same failures in life.  We talk about text message etiquette, the psychology behind quick responses, slow responses and no responses, and “closing the loop” with people we have unintentionally ignored.  We talk about jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about others and their intentions.  We explore the idea of accepting oneself as is versus constantly struggling to change in the name of personal growth.  We talk about fixating on failure versus success, being overly self-critical versus blindly overconfident and the role of luck.   _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Ethan Robertson is the host of Wheelsboy 车轮哥, a channel dedicated to offering independent reviews of Chinese cars.  His videos have over a million subscribers and are available on YouTube and all mainstream Chinese platforms.  Today we talk about the electric vehicle (EV) industry in China, including the rise of Chinese EV brands, the challenges they face globally, their competitiveness, shortcomings, environmental impact and the future outlook of the industry.  Ethan provides insights into the rapid growth, value proposition, and user experience offered by domestic brands.  Ethan also touches upon the challenges faced by the big foreign legacy automakers in China, their declining sales, and the marketing strategies employed by Chinese automakers as they attempt to expand globally.  Ethan shares his personal experiences as a car reviewer in China, including his commuting habits, interactions with car manufacturers, maintaining objectivity in his reviews, and his perspective as an American in the Chinese EV industry.   YouTube: @wheelsboy                                                           Instagram: Wheelsboy_auto _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Dr. Brian Wong is a Rhodes Scholar, geopolitical strategist, tech advisor, author and Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong.  His research examines the intersection of geopolitics, political and moral philosophy, and technology.  Brian co-founded and now advises the Oxford Political Review and currently serves as a Fellow and Advisor at the Oxford Global Society, an independent think-tank.  He is also a Fellow at the Centre on Contemporary China and the World and is the Founding Secretary of Citizen Action Design, a youth policy think-tank based in Hong Kong.  Today we talk about the role of rhetoric and manufactured outrage in politics, the challenges of implementing true democracy, and the rise of AI.  We critique the notion of democracy as a panacea, and discuss a nuanced approach to governance in a multipolar world.  We dive into the current state of American politics, the factors contributing to the disillusionment and frustration among segments of the population, and cultural grievances weaponized by political elites.  We talk about AI and its potential impact on jobs and employment.  Brian expresses concern about the potential appointment of hawkish individuals in a Trump administration, exacerbating tensions and volatility in US-China relations.  He also expresses hope that the younger generations in both countries can help bridge divides. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.    

Cymri Chang is a Creative Producer and friend of the show.  Today we discuss the human race, whether it's as a species, a political race or literally racing in the Olympics.  We talk about if continuing the human species is important to us.  We present cases for and against humanity and its impact on itself and all other living things.  We talk about ancestry tests and recount our experience on the day of 9/11.  We talk about the US presidential election and candidates like RFK Jr and Kamala Harris's Vice President nominee Tim Walz.  We also talk about the Paris Olympics, the controversy around the Chinese swim team, Pan Zhanle, and the systems in which countries produce and incentivize Olympic athletes. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Jorge Castellanos is a stand-up comedian and was a member of the sketch comedy group Mamahuhu, a popular YouTube series.  He is also the owner of the Shanghai bar called BnC.  He has performed with some of the biggest comedians like Mark Normand, Kyle Kinane and Jim Gaffigan.  Today we talk about Jorge’s experience as a comedian in China, navigating censorship, and insights from hosting famous American comedians when they visit China for the first time.  We talk about Mamahuhu and its impact on his life in Shanghai.  We get into Jorge’s family background as refugees and his father’s experience as a Cuban political prisoner.  We talk about expat life in Shanghai, cultural differences and compare things you can’t do or say between China and the US.  We share stories on leaving America and the significance of living abroad.  Jorge tells us a revealing story about the time he worked at PETA.  We also talk about personal struggles with anxiety, self-doubt and relentless inner-voices.   _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Danny Hu is the CEO of WeCycle and started the largest triathlon community in China.  His platform, STC大铁, has gone from a few hundred people to over 100k members and has helped organize 300+ triathlons and other active events across China.  Today, in the spirit of the Olympics, we talk to Danny about how he got convinced to enter his first triathlon.  We talk about how he taught himself how to swim, his approach to living and his keys to a healthy lifestyle.  We discuss his business around community and cycling.  Why he encourages everybody to ride a bike and why women have the most important influence on the success of his business and the active lifestyle industry.  We also talk about the new wave of active sporting culture in China and his suggestions for some changes in urban planning to help those who want to keep it moving. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Daniel Bateman is a content creator of his own social media channel @baidehan focused on being British, business and lifestyle in China.  He is also the host of the "Panda Profits Podcast" and the founder of Brit Bridge, a global consultancy and marketing company.  Today we talk about the book "The Game" by Neil Strauss and how it helped Daniel gain confidence in approaching women, dating, and conducting business.  We talk about the awkwardness of starting conversations with strangers and the value of being direct, taking initiative, and why we should always be opening.  We discuss dating apps, role models, and the fine line between confidence and being a creep.  We talk about social media personalities, toxic ideology and social order in the UK and China.  We also get into the bumpy ride of maintaining chemistry and resolving conflict when co-hosting a podcast. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Ben Cavender is the Managing Director and Head of Strategy with the China Market Research Group (CMR).  He helps Fortune 500 companies strengthen their brands positions and presence in China's consumer market.  He frequently speaks internationally on innovation, technology, economics and consumer trends.  He is frequently quoted and interviewed by news outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, New York Times, Economist, Forbes, Business Insider, BBC, CNN, CNBC, and Channel News Asia.  Ben also conducts guest lectures for select MBA and corporate programs such as Harvard Business School.  Today we talk about China's economic situation, the rise of domestic Chinese brands, US trade tensions, the impact of AI, the upcoming US presidential election, and raising children in the digital age. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Tilman Rieger is a conflict mediator, interpersonal and cross-cultural communication expert.  He is the founder of 8C Consulting and an expert in the fields of nonviolent communication, transactional analysis, positive intelligence and team building.  Today we talk about psychological safety in groups, at work and in society.  We learn about creating environments where individuals feel safe to take risks, make mistakes and speak honestly and critically to each other without becoming defensive.  We talk about the idea of taking responsibility for how we feel instead of blaming others.  We also examine the cultural differences between Western and Chinese cultures on communication styles, power dynamics and the perception of directness.  We touch on concepts such as the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world and stages of team development (forming, storming, norming, performing).  In an increasingly complicated world we talk about the challenges of sensitivity to feedback, accountability, culture, trust, honesty, and productive communication. _____________________ Connect with Tilman | www.8c-consulting.com _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.