The Honest Drink

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.

Justin Hourn is the head coach and co-founder of Refuge Martial Arts.  He is a BJJ black belt, former Australian national wrestling team athlete, international kickboxer, Tedx speaker and youth health & fitness speaker.  Today we talk about fitness trends, wellness, purpose and overcoming adversity.  We talk about purposely not preparing for things so we can react genuinely in the moment.  We talk about keeping fit as we age and the shift from intense workouts like CrossFit to a focus on low-impact exercises and overall wellness and longevity.  We also talk about Justin's journey to China growing up in one of Australia's most dangerous towns, being raised by a single mom, and protecting against an absent father.  We talk about the importance of role models and community on physical and mental well-being, especially during childhood.   Stay connected with "Coach Justin" on social media _____________________ 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.

Dive into the intriguing world of the 'Three Body Problem' and its cultural adaptations, sparking debates on appropriation in storytelling. Explore the evolution of AI and its daily relevance amid personal anecdotes about early job hunts. From humorous struggles with spreadsheets to unforgettable internship stories, including a wild encounter with P. Diddy, the conversation blends nostalgia with life's lessons. All this while reflecting on childhood optimism versus adult perspectives on growth and creativity.

Vlogger King Kwesi from Ghana shares his experience living in China, discussing cultural unity, China's influence in Africa, cocoa production exploitation, and shifting perceptions of Africa in media. He explores life in China, challenges faced by foreigners, and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and continuous learning.

Andrea Fenn is an award-winning digital strategist and the CEO of Adiacent, a global digital transformation company.  He was a founding member of the APAC social media team at Ogilvy, a researcher of Chinese social media at Leiden University, and a former journalist for CNN and China Daily.  He has lived 18 years in China working with the country’s evolving digital landscape.  Today we talk about the birth and rise of China’s digital age.  We talk about when the first Western social media platforms were blocked, how China leapfrogged traditional technologies, and why Chinese society was so quick to embrace the digital world.  We talk about social media’s impact on the health and development of children, and debate the merits of government intervention.  We discuss China’s approach to regulating the digital economy, breaking up tech giants, and moderating consumerism as we explore the rationale behind its policies, the trade-offs, and the challenges on its unique development path in a digital world.   _____________________ 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.

Dylan Briley is the Head Chef at Crush, former Sous Chef at Mr & Mrs Bund, and former chef at Goga in Shanghai.  He is also an artist, culinary consultant and DJ.  Today we talk about digital addiction, self-hate and his experiences working in the restaurant industry, both in the US and China. He recounts a pivotal moment when he had a heart attack while working at a restaurant in Shanghai and shares a story of the time he ruined a steak for an American President.  We discuss the challenges he faced adapting to the different management styles and cultural norms in Chinese kitchens, being the most hated person in the room, as well as the stress and self-doubt he experienced early in his career in China.  Dylan reflects on the importance of finding balance, being true to oneself, and embracing opportunities for personal growth.  Bon Appétit.  _____________________ 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.