THD美籍华人英语访谈秀

The Honest Drink
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Semimonthly

The Honest Drink是一个每周更新的英语访谈节目，由三位在中国的美籍华人主持。我们讨论自我完善、社会、东西方文化和生活方式等话题。我们经常有专家嘉宾来参加我们的节目，聆听他们的经验和想法。当然，我们每集都喝好酒！我是THD播客的主持人Justin。我经常和另外两位Howie和Aric一起主持这个节目。我的酒馆对你不打烊... Not the most sober podcast, but for sure the most candid and honest. Three American-born friends in China candidly explore a wide variety of provocative topics over drinks. They invite all types of experts onto the show as they make attempts at self-improvement, reducing misconceptions, reflecting on the madness of society and all the trappings of being human. Trading small talk for real talk as they stumble their way towards becoming happier, healthier and wiser.

  1. 4d ago

    Yaling Jiang: Through Chinese Eyes

    Yaling Jiang is a writer and researcher helping people understand China through real individuals, rather than through headlines or stereotypes.  Yaling is a former journalist and translator and founder of the popular newsletter Following the Yuan.  She is also the founder of the research and strategy consultancy ApertureChina.  Today, Yaling joins us to talk about what it really means to explain China to the outside world—and why seeing Chinese people as individuals matters.  We talk about what it’s like to have your country, your culture, and your own identity be misunderstood.  We also talk about the growing desire among Chinese women to have more control over the lives they choose to live.  We talk about dating, marriage, motherhood, gender expectations and the fear of becoming “leftover”.  We explore how younger generations are challenging traditional norms and whether China’s changing social attitudes are pointing toward a more equal future.  We also talk about the loneliness of a world that feels increasingly divided, and Yaling’s hope that we can learn to see each other as individuals rather than stereotypes. It’s a conversation about identity, agency, belonging—and the fragile hope that we might find our way back to each other.    ________________________ 00:00 Name pronunciation   02:40 Yaling’s mission: human stories about China   11:30 Growing up in a globalized China   14:00 Gender, ambition, and what Chinese women want   18:00 Dating in Shanghai and the numbers problem   23:00 “Leftover women” and changing expectations   32:50 Are gender norms actually changing?   39:00 Marriage, birth rates, and who carries the cost   44:00 Egg freezing as a safety net   49:00 Dating across cultures   55:00 History, race, and the “inferiority complex”   63:00 Asian representation in Western film and TV   71:00 Race and identity from China to the UK   79:00 Being called “banana”   85:00 Assimilation and the trauma of belonging   94:00 Empathy as the takeaway   98:00 Outro ________________________ Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink 合作: sponsor@thdpod.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 喜马拉雅, 小红书, Bilibili.

    Yaling Jiang: Through Chinese Eyes

  2. Sep 15

    Mike Pistilli: A Positive Influence

    Mike Pistilli (麦霹雳) is a fitness professional, social-media influencer, mental health advocate and NASM Certified Personal Trainer. He is known on Chinese platforms as 麦霹雳 or Coach Mike. Having worked across Chinese and Western fitness cultures, Mike brings a practical, positive and unusually candid perspective to health, body image and online influence. Today we talk about China's changing culture around fitness, social media personalities and society.  We talk about why fitness has become a new status symbol, and how social-media rules shape what creators can responsibly share. We also discuss mental-health stigma, happiness, the pressure of algorithms, the double standards facing male and female creators, and Mike's new VR fitness and mental-health project, FunFitland. Mike explains how his own experience of growing up insecure shaped his coaching philosophy, and why his personal rule is to leave people feeling more positive than when he met them.   _______________________ (00:00) Vodka, accents and Mike's one-line introduction (01:02) Being positive by default (06:31) The insecure kid behind the confidence (08:48) Fitness culture in China versus the West (13:19) Why China regulates social-media content (16:10) Mental-health stigma and the pressure to look perfect (23:25) Freedom, responsibility online (31:04) “Cultural propaganda” and algorithm bubbles (37:17) Chinese platforms and different audiences (43:28) The double standard in content creation (54:19) Making healthy food practical in China (01:10:11) The gym as therapy (01:35:40) Why food can slow us down (01:46:36) FunFitland and the future of fitness in VR ________________________ Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink 合作: sponsor@thdpod.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 喜马拉雅, 小红书, Bilibili.

    Mike Pistilli: A Positive Influence

  3. Sep 1

    Prof. Daniel Graff: Something Different

    Professor Daniel Graff leads design and AI research at Tongji University’s College of Design and Innovation.  He is a Distinguished Research Fellow, educator, and co-author of the 2026 book “Design Thinking with Artificial Intelligence”.  With a background spanning design innovation, business, and emerging technology, his work explores how humans design, collaborate, and create alongside artificial intelligence.  Today we talk about creativity, critical thinking and the tension between technology and human input. 0:00 Intro 3:34 Good Design and Subjectivity 23:01 Phases of AI Adoption 27:37 Work, Jobs, and Disruption 39:10 Efficiency and Creative Risk 54:35 Cultural Responses to AI 1:13:57 Trust, Hallucinations, and Standards 1:22:34 Critical Thinking in the AI Era 1:31:37 Phones, Friction, and Relationships 1:39:30 Education’s Changing Value 1:43:45 Looking Ahead Together Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Email: contact@thdpod.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 喜马拉雅, 小红书, Bilibili.

    Prof. Daniel Graff: Something Different

  4. Aug 18

    Zak Dychtwald: Cut Throat

    Zak Dychtwald is the founder and CEO of BridgeWorks Global and author of the critically acclaimed book, Young China.  He runs a cross-geography collaboration lab, helping people in some of the world’s largest companies get along better across national borders, through science and data backed research.  Zak is a distinguished speaker having delivered over 100 keynotes to Fortune 500 companies and global investors. He is also a researcher on behavioral economics, national policies and its impact on global work and business dynamics.  Today we talk about the brutal side of competition and collaboration between people, society, business and countries.  Zak explains why he founded BridgeWorks and outlines the seven factors preventing effective global collaboration between working people.  We compare work culture between Chinese companies and the rest of the world and explore China’s internal competitive intensity, education pressures and scarcity mindset.  We also talk about AI’s impact on jobs, the need to be more human and what a life is for.   (00:00) Whiskey Kickoff (04:00) Risk Tolerance After Kids (07:55) From Young China to Bridgeworks (15:10) Seven Elements of Collaboration (22:29) US vs China Work Styles (31:54) Why China Works So Hard (35:24) Education Pressure (44:00) Tiger Mom Success Formula (54:35)  Scarcity Trauma Mindset (01:18:20) AI And Future Of Work (01:28:06) Asian Talent in US (01:35:24) Compete or Die (01:43:19) What is all this hardwork for? (01:49:55) Be Adaptive and Kind Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Email: thehonestdrink@gmail.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili.

    Zak Dychtwald: Cut Throat

  5. Aug 4

    Cyrus Janssen: It's Not All Scary

    Cyrus Janssen is a YouTuber and speaker on China and the world.  Today we talk about countering fear-driven narratives about other countries, being a “global citizen”, and its impact on how we engage or disengage with the rest of the world.  We also talk about Chinese brands in America, as cost-of-living pressures rise and US domestic polarization and war continues.  Cyrus also describes how he was recently offered $10,000 US dollars to lie to his viewers, and how the money was ultimately traced back to perhaps the most recognizable AI company in the world.   Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Email: thehonestdrink@gmail.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili.

    Cyrus Janssen: It's Not All Scary

  6. Jul 21

    Julie Sun: Love Practically

    Julie Sun is a brand marketer and content creator who creates English content on Instagram and TikTok as, “Julie your China friend”, explaining Chinese culture and dating to foreigners.  Having worked in international marketing across the world, her sociological research has brought her traveling to over 30 countries, often by herself.  Now she uses her voice to introduce modern China to a Western audience, providing an honest perspective on Chinese society, dating and everyday life.  Today we talk about modern society and the search for our place in it.  We talk about when after receiving countless messages from foreign men asking her to help them find a Chinese wife, Julie found herself researching China's matchmaking industry—and what she discovered raised difficult questions about love, practicality, immigration, family expectations, and whether the search for the "perfect partner" has become one of the defining struggles of our generation.  We talk about differences between Western and Chinese communication styles, criticism and social norms around hugging, staying friends with exes, and saying “I love you”.  We also get into marriage customs like cai li or dowry, financial independence, and the quarter-life crisis.   00:00 Cheers and Drinking Again 00:29 Julie Introduces Herself 01:23 Taxi Driver Blowups 04:38 Stress and System Pressure 06:52 Life in London 07:44 Why She Makes Content 10:07 China Interest Shifts 11:55 English Content in China 14:40 Why Chinese Criticize 19:05 Thank You and I Love You 21:01 Workplace Negativity 24:02 Western Lecturing Abroad 25:36 Matchmaking DMs 30:15 Love Versus Practicality 32:34 Marriage Market Experience 39:31 Perfect Standards and Choice 44:31 Self Centered Social Media 46:07 Zheng Yuan Explained 46:35 Soulmates vs Checklists 49:35 Dating Book Breakdown 50:23 Cai Li and Dowries 52:10 China vs West Commitment 56:10 Exes and Opposite Friends 59:49 Hugging Culture Shock 01:02:38 Career First Relationships 01:07:19 Financial Independence Debate 01:13:30 China Soft Power Rising 01:24:29 Quarter Life Crisis Talk 01:28:32 Dating Preferences Identity 01:32:06 Final Message and Farewell Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Email: thehonestdrink@gmail.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

    Julie Sun: Love Practically

  7. Jul 7

    Eric Hovagim: The New American Dream

    Eric Hovagim is an American content creator, industrial engineer and political commentator who, in his own words, “moved to China in late 2025 to escape the American Century of Humiliation”.  He’s worked in politics in his home state of Arizona and in New York City, producing a handful of videos that helped get Zohran Mamdani elected NYC mayor in 2025.  Recently, Eric has been producing content for popular political commentator, Hasan Piker.  He was also previously part of a climate-policy think tank in the US and an engineer on the Hyperloop team.  Today, we talk about why Eric is here in China and what he hopes to learn.  He shares his frustrations with the state of affairs in the US and the crisis of the American dream.  He argues the need for revolutionary change and optimism as we talk about what he’s observing and studying from his experience in China that he could one day bring back to America.  We also talk about societal fear, AI concerns, Eric’s self-identification as a socialist and what annoys him being here.  We share plenty of laughs in an otherwise serious discussion, and we might also have offended all French people.    Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Email: thehonestdrink@gmail.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

    Eric Hovagim: The New American Dream

  8. Jun 16

    Raffe, BT & Dino: To Live and Die in Shanghai pt.2

    Raffe is the owner of Cantina Agave,  the very first Mexican restaurant in Shanghai.  Today he is joined by some old friends, BT and Dino on the podcast, as we celebrate Cantina’s 18th anniversary and the launch of his new restaurant, Vice.  We talk about why he’s stayed in Shanghai and discuss the constant pressure to keep up with this unique city, the challenges of running F&B amid unpredictable rules and high turnover, and how the city shifted from “wild east” days to stricter, safer, more equal enforcement.  We compare Shanghai’s convenience and safety with rising costs, crime, and lenient enforcement in the U.S., especially LA, and talk about perspective, media-driven fear, and cultural adaptation. We talk about a renaissance in Shanghai’s dining scene, social media’s impact, and Cantina’s clientele flipping to 70% local Chinese. We also end the episode with a blindfolded taco taste test that doesn’t go as planned.   Don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe! 节目文字版 (Transcript)加微信: THD_Official Add us on WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Email: thehonestdrink@gmail.com IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 喜马拉雅, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

    Raffe, BT & Dino: To Live and Die in Shanghai pt.2
See All (188)

About

The Honest Drink是一个每周更新的英语访谈节目，由三位在中国的美籍华人主持。我们讨论自我完善、社会、东西方文化和生活方式等话题。我们经常有专家嘉宾来参加我们的节目，聆听他们的经验和想法。当然，我们每集都喝好酒！我是THD播客的主持人Justin。我经常和另外两位Howie和Aric一起主持这个节目。我的酒馆对你不打烊... Not the most sober podcast, but for sure the most candid and honest. Three American-born friends in China candidly explore a wide variety of provocative topics over drinks. They invite all types of experts onto the show as they make attempts at self-improvement, reducing misconceptions, reflecting on the madness of society and all the trappings of being human. Trading small talk for real talk as they stumble their way towards becoming happier, healthier and wiser.

Information

  • Creator
    The Honest Drink
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © thehonestdrink@喜马拉雅FM
  • Show Website
    THD美籍华人英语访谈秀