

The Honest Drink
HaHa Monsters
Three American-raised friends living in China candidly explore the madness of modern behavior. We’ll be sipping on drinks with special guests as we tackle different topics on current culture, self-help, society, human psychology, nationality, politics, news and life. All this in an effort to reduce misconceptions about the world and ourselves. Tune in as we make these attempts and stumble our way towards becoming happier, healthier and wiser.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 50min
156. Daniel Bateman: "The Game, Confidence, Rejection"
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.

Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 42min
155. Ben Cavender: "Chinese Brands, Economy, US Election, AI"
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.

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 40min
154. Tilman Rieger (on Psychological Safety)
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.

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 49min
153. Justin Hourn (on Fitness & Longevity)
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.

Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 25min
152. 3 Bodies Many Problems
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.

6 snips
May 21, 2024 • 1h 33min
151. King Kwesi (China as an African)
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.

May 6, 2024 • 1h 35min
150. Andrea Fenn: "The Great Digital Leap"
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.

Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 31min
149. Dylan Briley: "Death & Cooking"
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.

Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 40min
148. Yimin Wang: "The Personality Trap"
Yimin Wang is a personality development and leadership coach. He is one of the highest certified people development coaches in China, the CEO of Sense Consulting and the Global Partner of Lumina Learning. Today we explore the Lumina Spark personality assessment which measures your various personality traits and qualities. We talk about the concept of paradox in personality, where individuals can exhibit seemingly contradictory traits in different situations. We talk about the importance of empathy and its role in leadership, communication and relationships. We also get into the spectrum of accommodating versus tough personalities and how it affects conflict resolution, the value of diversity in teams and the tendency to hire people who are similar to yourself. We talk about nature vs nurture and its influence on our social development, the benefits of self-awareness to improve personal and professional relationships, and how we can get out of the box and avoid being trapped in our assumed personalities. _____________________ 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.

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 37min
147. James Hsu: "The Art of Being Yourself"
James Hsu is an entrepreneur, podcaster and advisor. He helps people through the mental and emotional side of entrepreneurship and on the topic of authenticity. Today we talk about the struggle to be ourselves and pretending to be someone we're not, both in social situations and at work. We talk about how we are affected by politics and news. We talk about why James decided he can't work in large companies anymore, and some difficult lessons about people and relationships he's learned being an entrepreneur. We also talk about how our Asian self-identity has changed since living in China compared to our peers in America and Canada. _____________________ https://www.journeytotheeast.club/ _____________________ 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.