A new set of articles by the UK's The Times explain why it is now time to take a trip to China. COVID tests are gone and travel visas are easier than ever to obtain. It's time to skip to the other side of the planet for an out-of-this world adventure. Insider travel tips abound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcaster Carl Zha joins The Bridge. We ask him about China’s Belt & Road Initiative, poverty alleviation, and how to improve Sino-US relations. Carl explains the many purposes of the Silk Road, how people-to-people exchanges can help diffuse global tensions, and China’s new role in facilitating peace talks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The global race to carbon neutrality has begun. One new idea, according to the BBC on May 23rd, is using car parks for mandatory solar energy farms. China is set to reach peak emissions early and Germany is restarting PV manufacturing. What’s new in new energy? Let’s take a look at what’s hot in solar.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Surgeon General outlined steps to tackle an epidemic of loneliness in the US. Just days later China Youth Daily also released a study indicating that many Chinese youths are feeling ‘shekong’ or social phobia. Why are folks in both the US and China suffering from loneliness and anxiety? We look at modern issues that are causing our human disconnection. What we can do to mend the social fabric? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our friend Fernando of Fermube joins the show to discuss his three-month journey into Xinjiang. Host Jason, who recently got back from Xinjiang, discusses the culture, food and landscape of the region. What is it like to travel in Xinjiang? How can you go? Where are the top destinations? And more importantly, how is the food?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China held its annual Science Fiction Convention in Beijing’s Shougang Park. Chinese sci-fi story telling is stratospheric with new movies like The Wandering Earth II, Moon Man, and the TV series based on the book The Three-Body Problem. What is the past, present, and the future of science fiction in China? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which careers are safer from the obsolescence created by AI? A new research by Goldman Sachs shows that three skill sets are most likely to keep you relevant in the age of robots and generative art and text. We look expert opinions on how you can hedge your career in today's rapidly changing job market. Jason and Beibei debate the merits of the newest disruptive tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here comes a new trend in the west with ancient Chinese roots: taking a month for the mother to heal and to bond with the new baby. An article on CNN in May identifies the new modern shape of China’s tradition of a new mother taking time off in cozy comfort with support from family and hired help, with fancy herbal brews and massages thrown in to boot. How does the ancient tradition of ‘Zuo Yue Zi’ take maternity leave into a new future with BeiBei and Jason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We interview a Jamaican about her journey into Wuhan to get a medical degree. She discusses the application process, financing, campus life and how to make new friends. We ask her about how she lived through the pandemic and how her community came together. Have you ever thought of studying abroad? Dr. La-Shawn Levy can offer you some insights that may change your life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk and the New York Times had a fight in front of the Twitter world about paying for social media? From April 1st, ‘legacy blue ticks’ have been removed. Blue Verifications cost about 8 dollars and Gold cost a whopping 1,000 US dollars a month. Will wielding influence become a game the world’s wealthy only? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fed keeps raising interest rates. We take a look at some of the advice being given in the financial world. Why has the Fed been raising interest rate? What is the Fed? Why doesn’t China suffer from inflation? And, can foreigners invest in Chinese stocks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Mother’s Day. New research suggests men are doing less to keep the home clean and tidy. Beibei, a mother, and Jason, not, take time to reflect on who is doing more work around the home. Have traditional gender roles been frozen in time? What does it take to get men to chip in? And are men and women around the world doing their part? This one is for moms everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nico in China has tens of thousands of fans around the world on YouTube. While she has travelled to dozens of countries in multiple continents, she has made China the focus of her channel. We ask her about China, the world and how to make it as an influencer. She explains why she chose China, how she made it with no money and her future plans in Europe. Join us and learn about the world through Nico’s story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The list of countries trading in currencies other than the dollar is growing by the day. According to Reuters, China is now trading less than half of its global trade in dollars. Bengal is beginning to trade with India in local currencies and the list has grown to include more nations than you might expect. But why? And what does this mean for American financial hegemony? We make the complex easier to understand, by taking a peek into the today’s most important trends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Gilbert Van Kerckhove from Ghent, Belgium, has lived in China for four decades. While working in the country, he led the initiative to build Shanghai’s Line 3 in the 1990s and was involved in the preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. In his book Toxic Capitalism, he shares extensive knowledge on global consumerism and wastage, and how to tackle these challenges. A recipient of the highest award for foreigners in China: The Friendship Award, Van Kerckhove is also the Rotating Chairman of Foreign Expert Committee, Belt and Road International Talent. We ask him about environmental efforts in modern China and how he views his 43 years in the Middle Kingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge Podcast goes meta as we invite the hosts of The Honest Drink Podcast to join our show. Jason asks Justin, Howie and Aric about their collective 50 years living in China. What are the best places to visit? How has China changed in their eyes and how have our guests changed with it? Hear four Americans rap about their amazement at the modernity of life in both the US and China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by a podcaster, who interviews folks who are making their mark in China. Oscar Fuchs is host of Shanghai's 'Mosaic of China' podcast. We ask him about his show and his time in Germany, Japan, Singapore and China. Beibei and Oscar discuss Chinese philosophy and talk about food. If you need some cultural fun and fabulous insights, this episode will have you laughing and thinking too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Men in Japan and China are entitled up to four weeks of paternity leave, but many don’t take them. US citizens are entitled to neither maternity nor paternity leave, but many would take them if they could. France experienced riots protesting government’s plan to raise retirement age by two more years. On today’s show we examine the complicated global cultures of working and sometimes, not working. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From raging fires to smoldering mountains of trash and plastic oceans, our world feels out of control. Earth Day is here. In this episode we rapid fire the trends and celebrations of earth day from every corner of our globe. Be inspired. Be hopeful. And tune in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest David W. Ferguson has written several original books on contemporary China. His latest book takes a deep dive into the strategies used in China’s successful campaign to end absolute poverty. He has also researched the greening of Beijing and the methods China uses to promote environmentalism. Join us as we interview the editor of the Governance of China about China’s path to modernization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A college education used to be part of realizing the American dream for young Americans. But with the crippling Student Loan Crisis, college enrollment in the US is falling faster than any time in recent history. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, fall enrollments in 2010 were 21 million. By 2021, enrollment had fallen by three million to 18 million. Is a university degree becoming out of reach for less affluent Americans?   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New technology promises to recycle hundreds of thousands of tons of textiles by 2030. The damage that the fashion industry brings to our planet is beyond belief. What’s at stake? How big is the problem? What can we do to address the problem of fast fashion in 2023? With Earth Day approaching, we take a look at impulse shopping and our unused wardrobe. There is hope, but only if we take a few steps together. Join the show to become part of the solution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest Michael Crook is a British/Canadian who was born in Beijing in 1951 to parents who met in China. Michael grew up on a university campus in Beijing, worked in Chinese factories, and went to university in Britain. Michael helped found the Western Academy of Beijing in 1994. He is also the Chairman of International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives (known as ICCIC) which involves rural development, environmental protection, and heritage preservation, especially of old Beijing city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Statistics show that US police kill "Far more civilians than any other wealthy country." A Colorado sheriff recently received an honorary award after shooting an unarmed man at an elementary school. What's going on in US policing? How do other wealthy nations have such low incidence of policing-related fatalities? Can the US change, and what would it need to do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the US finally going to enter the High-Speed Rail game? A new article on KTLA says a line will connect a county outside LA with Los Vegas. With Spain, France, Germany, Japan, China and others in the club, we at The Bridge take a look at the global landscape of High Speed Rail, its advantages in using green energy, de-stressing, and easing road congestions. What's the past, present and future of High Speed Rail in the USA? Once we in the US get a taste, we’ll be demanding more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As China observes annual Tomb Sweeping Day, we explain the tradition of burning joss money. From China to Amazon, the sacred money is going global. We take you inside the Chinese customs associated with respecting your passed loved ones. China doesn’t have a single set of traditions; we discuss the variety which makes understanding ‘China’ an ongoing exercise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are 500,000 kids working in agriculture in the US where “Unlimited Hours” are legal. For more than a century, Americans have fought to limit the work and related dangers that children could legally endure. The latest political trend in some states even weighs the merits of allowing children as young as twelve years old to work. A new law would increase both permissible work hours and the number of child workers, and protect employers from liability for injuries and even deaths at work, and all these for children. Listen to this! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first installment of The Bridge’s “Home Sweet Home, China,” where we show folks how to make China their home. And if you already live here, we have insights for you too. In this episode we’re going to cover how to come to China for work, choosing the right job, negotiating contracts, choosing the right city for you, getting a passport, visa, flights and all the steps you need to take to ensure your success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We interview Dr. Tang Xiaoyang, Chair of Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing. A highly noted academic luminary on China–Africa economic cooperation, Dr. Tang has published extensively on the Belt and Road Initiative. He also has experiences working at the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, SAIS and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington DC. We ask him about his time in Africa. He discusses how China and Africa are working together to build a common future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friend of The Bridge and frequent media commentator Fernando Munoz Bernal joins us. Hailing from Colombia, Fernando has lived in China for more than 20 years and was made an "honorary citizen" by the city of Dongguan. We discuss his journey through China by electric RV, how China's COVID policy saved lives, where to charge your EV on a road trip, and more. Want the truth about China and COVID? This is it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With massive layoffs in the tech sector, many in 2023 are worried about their job security. According to the BBC, “As companies around the world slash positions, many workers are steeping in worry that they’re next…” As AI can now write online content, will corporate media be the next in line? Are we living in a cyber-punk-dystopia or is the world changing for the better? We take a look at the newest disruptive technology: artificial intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“For the hundreds of millions of people living in small island developing states and other low-lying coastal areas around the world, sea-level rise is a torrent of trouble,” the UN Secretary General just warned. From climatologists flying to Davos in private jets, to Biden selling US gas on international markets and trending debates on the use of gas stoves, The Bridge radio show brings you the latest fiery debates regarding the climate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“A new law banning Chinese citizens from buying property has some wondering if they’re welcome in Texas” according to an article this month in the Los Angeles Times. Have we entered a new period where questions similar to the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Japanese Internment are becoming normalized in US discourse? What’s at stake and what can be done? The Bridge takes on this critical issue. Join our discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CEO of FastForward Marketing, Cyrus Janssen is a geopolitical analyst, investor, speaker, and social media influencer with over 1 million fans across his social media platforms. He recently gave a TED Talk to inspire the youth. Born in the United States, Cyrus lived in China for 15 years. He shares his insights on China with Jason&Alex and how the US and China can build new bridges together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Women’s Day approaches, we at The Bridge discuss trending topics regarding the lives of ladies across the globe. From gender gaps in the digital industry, to gender-based violence and female leadership, we survey the landscape of inclusivity. Our hosts from China and the US bring you fresh insights into the often-hidden struggles of women around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China's 'Two Sessions' is being held in Beijing. Folks outside China have little understanding of China's democratic processes. In 2022, research group 'Latana' proved Chinese folks were more likely to rank the Chinese government as 'democratic' than any other nation in the world would rank their own. With so little known in the West about what China calls "Whole-Process People's Democracy," we at The Bridge discuss the moving parts of this democratic system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Two Sessions", the biggest annual event on China's political calendar, will begin this weekend. Thousands of national lawmakers and political advisors will gather for these important political meetings that cover every aspect of China's development and people's wellbeing. The lawmakers and political advisors are from all walks of life in China, including farmers, workers, teachers…people from different regions and ethnic groups. The ideas and advices of regular Chinese folks sound a lot like the dreams Americans have too. Tune in to hear the hopes that we all share in common. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From exceeding your job description to quiet-quitting and lying-flat, the media sells us a mixed bag of seemingly incompatible narratives. So, which is it? Are we working too much or not enough? Alex and Jason delineate the borders of our changing career landscapes. If you want to avoid the landmines of today’s office culture, this episode is mandatory. So set your podcast to The Bridge, sit back and enjoy your compulsory relax time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to a CNN article from January 27th, Louis Vuitton - Moët Hennessy, commonly known as LVMH, "cheers the 'spectacular' return of Chinese tourists." With hundreds of billions of dollars of income in the global tourism game at stake, who will win-over Chinese travelers? What are Chinese travelers looking for as they tour the globe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the dynamic of "mentorship" changing shape? While mid-level leaders are still learning from seasoned professionals, a new tradition is trending. "Reverse Mentorship" is younger employees showing their mature leaders the ropes of new tech. We talk about youths volunteering to help retirees use social media. What can interns teach CEOs? Is your workplace is in need of a shakeup?. Alex explains trends in Chinese social media to Jason. This is The Bridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From community organizer and volunteer in the US to winning China’s “Friendship” award and working as a volunteer across China, Dr. Mark Levine uses his time to help others. Need inspiration to change the world? Listen to a singer song writer building bridges between the US and China through Music, education, writing and giving back to the global community. He inspires our host; he’ll inspire you. And he concludes the show with an inspirational piece of music. This is The Bridge: our interview with Dr. Mark Levine, American in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the latest cases of anti-Asian hate crimes, anti-Black hate crimes and the roots that got us here. We examine the history, the political causes, and the role of big media companies in encouraging hate. What does economics have to do with the safety of our citizens? Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a train wreck in Ohio of 20 cargo containers of toxic materials, the New York Post reports "animals falling sick, dying near hellish Ohio train derailment site" and ABC News reports that "there were more toxic chemicals on train that derailed in Ohio than originally reported." A dozen train wrecks have taken place across the US already this year and it's only February. What is happening? Why is it happening? The Bridge takes a deep dive to clear up the muddy waters with BeiBei and Jason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is China really a threat, or can we cooperate in technology and global development? Andy Mok, a former analyst for the Rand Corporation and current Fellow of CCG on the transformative technologies coming out of China. He discusses semi-conductors, the Chinese space station, the future of Huawei, and WeChat as a ‘remote for our lives.’ He shares his thoughts on how we can maintain global peace through empathy, benevolence and people to people exchanges at the highest levels of society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Shi and Jason Smith discuss the surprising problems with water in the wealthiest nation on earth. When the world thinks of America, they think of a developed nation. So, why does the US have millions without access to clean water? We take a deep dive into the problem and how America can get back on track. And what is a hydro-climatologist? From the shores of the US to China, Africa, and Laos we discuss water --- our past, present, and future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.