The Bridge to China
Episodes
How to move to China and land your dream job in the world's fastest growing economy
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How are China and Africa working together to build a better world?
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We interview Dr. Tang Xiaoyang, Chair of Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing. A highly noted academic luminary on ...
From COVID to road tripping across China: Why do Chinese people trust their government so much?
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Friend of The Bridge and frequent media commentator Fernando Munoz Bernal joins us. Hailing from Colombia, Fernando has lived in China for more than 2...
With fear of more layoffs looming in tech, will AI make even more jobs redundant?
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 sla...
We bring you the fiery debates around climate change in 2023
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“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 the newly proposed Texas law a 21st century version of the discriminatory ‘Chinese Exclusion Act?’
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“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 t...
How can all of us play a part in building bridges between nations?
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
CEO of FastForward Marketing, Cyrus Janssen is a geopolitical analyst, investor, speaker, and social media influencer with over 1 million fans across ...
Women hold up half the sky: gender and STEM in 2023
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What does China's democratic process look like?
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
China's 'Two Sessions' is being held in Beijing. Folks outside China have little understanding of China's democratic processes. In 2022, research...
China’s annual Two Sessions will decide this year’s goals: what are the Two Sessions and what matter the most to Chinese people?
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The "Two Sessions", the biggest annual event on China's political calendar, will begin this weekend. Thousands of national lawmakers and political adv...
From mandatory going above to quiet quitting, media can’t keep its story straight: we tell you what’s what
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From exceeding your job description to quiet-quitting and lying-flat, the media sells us a mixed bag of seemingly incompatible narratives. So, which i...
Chinese tourists spend more on international tourism than any nation on earth: Who will win their hearts?
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
According to a CNN article from January 27th, Louis Vuitton - Moët Hennessy, commonly known as LVMH, "cheers the 'spectacular' return of Chinese tour...
What is reverse mentorship and how are the young mentoring the old?
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is the dynamic of "mentorship" changing shape? While mid-level leaders are still learning from seasoned professionals, a new tradition is trending. "R...
Meet an American Doctor-Musician-Community Organizer Whose Whole Life is Helping Others
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From community organizer and volunteer in the US to winning China’s “Friendship” award and working as a volunteer across China, Dr. Mark Levine ...
As anti-Asian hate crimes persist in the West: we look at why and what you can do
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ca...
Is the toxic-train-wreck event in Ohio a symptom of a larger emergency?
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 tr...
China’s technological rise: where do Sino-US relations go from here?
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Fe...
From Flint, Michigan to Jackson, Mississippi: America's infrastructure crisis and what can be done
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Can dancing save your mind and your life? You might want to start dancing now
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New research from ‘The Journal of Aging and Human Activity’ demonstrates a connection between Ball Room Dancing and staving off dementia. The rese...
Can you get in trouble for repairing your own iPhone? The answer might surprise you…
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New York just passed a law giving folks the right to fix their own stuff. We at The Bridge delve into the growing world of repairing your own gizmos a...
Insulating yourself from the possibility of a US recession
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alan Greenspan, former FED Chair, said recently that a “US recession is likely.” Does two years of white-hot inflation, coupled with student loans...
From Colombia to ‘honorary citizen’ of China’s Dongguan city: 20 years in China as a media star
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From YouTube to Bilibili and documentary making and more, today’s guest literally rewrote the signs in Dongguan. Listen in as an English, Chinese, a...
A British voice actor on becoming the Monkey King and the Chinese stand-up comedy scene
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
British stand-up comedian Kei Gambit describes the process of becoming the most well-known fictional character in China: The Monkey King. We ask him h...
How China’s optimization of COVID-19 response measures made history and saved Spring Festival
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We invite UK-Australian key opinion leader and media commentator Jerry Grey for a discussion of China’s rebound. We talk about China’s feverish De...
Bustling again！What's your travel plan for 2023?
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Starting from January, passport applications have been resumed for outbound travelers in China. This is coupled with the removal of COVID tests and qu...
Are our kids safe having the internet in the palm of their hand?
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jason and Beibei discuss the cultural similarities and differences between the US and China regarding kids having smartphones. Will your child be expo...
We interview an American influencer about his spiritual quests in China
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Noah Kartha has already lived in three Chinese cities in his three years in China. Join us as he tells stories about the real life fairyland in Harbin...
Influencer King Kwesi: my life in a coastal city of Weihai in China
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Which coastal city in China is attractive to expats? YouTuber and IG-Fashion-Influencer King Kwesi joins The Bridge. This influencer defines what’s ...
What are the most beloved pets across the Pacific?
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recent study reveals that 38% of people managed to cope with anxiety and stress during the pandemic with the companionship from their pets. Ever wonde...
The Bridge Team Wraps up 2022 with Encouraging Stories around the World
31 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sick of sickening stories and news? Tired of tiring tales of 2022? We at The Bridge give you reasons to realize that 2022 has had plenty to be celebra...
We interview Dr. Jeffrey Sachs about his thoughts on China, the US and sustainable development
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, holder of 42 doctorates, world-renowned economics Professor, bestselling author and president of the UN’s Sustainable Development...
We’re told never give up. Is it time to reconsider?
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's another year-end, and many have started to set up their new year's goal. What's practical and what's not? Can you work yourself to death? 2% of p...
From Christmas in Beijing to feeding your Christmas trees to rhinos?
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jason and Alex bring you the Christmas angle you weren’t expecting. What is Christmas like in Beijing? Tens of millions of Christmas trees are waste...
What are the worst of the worst bad airplane deeds from around the world today?
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to go home and see your family before Christmas or travel to some beautiful place to celebrate the New Year, but do you want to take a long ...
Is our inability to agree tearing us apart: how can we end the hostility?
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Persuasion also means willing to be persuaded. What is cordial discourse? How does it work? And where do we begin? From marketing to the logic of the ...
Ahem! Utterances and gestures that can get you in trouble around the world
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some know that the peace sign is an insult in certain countries but did you know that crossing your fingers for luck could also mean number ten or ‘...
The great re-imagination: has time in isolation changed people for the better?
10 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of folks all over the world have spent time in isolation. We discuss the newly minted term ‘The Great Re-imagination.’ From divorces to n...
Is it too late to boost our immune system?
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss hygiene around the world in the twenty first century. Have we gone far enough or too far? Hand washing? Sure. Spraying babies with germ kil...
A Future Dystopia of Trash-Mountains? Or Can Technology Save Us?
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One man’s daughter asks her father to save the world, one bag of crisps at a time. His answer: “Alright then, I will.” We discuss their story an...
Parasocial relationship? Celebrity obsession from the US, Korea, Europe and China
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When does a healthy interest in celebrity life become a mental health issue? We discuss ‘Parasocial Relationships’. From movie posters to hysteric...
From one year abroad to seasoned Beijinger: Kristie from the UK talks about her life in China
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From contemporary dance in China’s capital to rescuing animals and maintaining the most advanced kindergartens in China, today’s guest doesn’t s...
Can cross cultural communication save us in a world gone mad?
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The news is full of stories of war, famine and a coming global recession. All the while people are meant to believe the fault lies with other nations,...
Global work norms are changing quicker than ever
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Forbes has named 2022 ‘The Year of Work Place Culture.” As waves of people around the world return to the office, office culture is being dissecte...
The parallels and circulation of an idea: Thanksgiving isn’t Just American?
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beibei and Jason find a point of heated cultural contention: turkey meat? From history to laughing about chicken feet, we cover the American tradition...
Is Boxing Legal in China? Meet the London DJ & Boxer Fantwan
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
DJ Fantwan plays the biggest house venues in China from Beijing to Chengdu. Is boxing legal in China? Fantwan discusses the boxing scene and his victo...
Are Deepfakes the future of fun or the end of truth?
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From fake presidents to copies of you and your loved ones deepfakes are becoming part of our daily lives. What could go wrong? We discuss the good, th...
Do Chinese go out for 'American food?' cowboys, and cruises: this podcast has it all
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Americans have Chinatowns. Do Chinese have American towns? Going to cowboy towns and civil war parks is an American past-time. Do Chinese have time ma...
Being watched by the whole neighorhood on a Chinese street? Ask this guest
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest has lived in China long enough to see the landscape change, literally. Mario Cavolo of Mr. Ma’s China Adventures, a youtube channel,...
From New York to Shanghai digital literacy is a Must
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Digital Literacy is now non-negotiable in our daily work. It’s no longer enough to be able to use Office tools and send an email. Employers are only...
What are the most beloved pets across the Pacific?
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The hosts of The Bridge talk about… Chinchillas? Ever wondered which animals are the most well-loved companions across cultures and continents? Why ...
Did you know Beijing has three football divisions? This guest knew before deciding to move to Beijing
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From Newcastle to Beijing, today’s guest has been there and back again. Tomas Fletcher discusses moving to the Republic of Georgia, China and visiti...
Recap: what is Duck Poop Tea?
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this recap clip of The Bridge, Jason and BeiBei shared their observation of the evolving beverage trend, and what is Duck Poop Tea? Would you like ...
What will it take for US businesses to succeed in the largest growing economy on earth?
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We tell you how China’s import decisions affect you. From make-up to pizza chains and your bank account this is an episode you can’t miss. We expl...
Is staying up late killing you?
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New research from the Journal of Experimental Physiology says night owls are dropping like flies. The Bridge digs deep into the science of sleep so yo...
From attending university in China to teaching at Risk Youths in America, today’s guest has shocking stories
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some folks dream of travelling around the world. Today’s guest did it. From Michigan and the Great Lakes of the US to Japan and China, today’s gue...
From Halloween to the Gates of Hell, we take you on a journey to the underworld
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While Jason giggles and talks about candy and parties in the US, Beibei warns him that the Gates of Hell will be opening up. Listen in to help ward of...
The new mega cities in the world...
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest list of the biggest cities in the world has dropped. The Bridge talks you through the best and worst of life in the big apples of the world...
What is life like in a city called “Heaven On Earth?”
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bridge is joined by special guest: Josh Lapidus is the founder of a payroll & benefits company based in the U.S.. He discusses his journey to ...
Today’s guest has travelled the world on a Recumbent Trike: join us for his story
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bridge sits down with Matt of YouTube’s “JaYoe Nation.” Matt’s travels around the world have been followed by tens of millions of people. ...
What is an ‘Expat Bubble’? To assimilate or not to assimilate, that is the question!
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Different people adapt to a new nation and a new culture in different ways. Do Chinese people also eat ‘American food?’ Can you stay Irish in Indi...
Why do expats in Beijing love to hang out along the Liangma River?
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to change a stinky river with floating trash into a clean, posh and fancy place where people want to hang out? Have you heard of an APP...
What does it take to make it as a travel influencer today?
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A renown international travel vlogger outlines what people get wrong about foreign countries, and how to create meaningful content along the way. Want...
The Bridge takes you on a tour of the climate crisis
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
20 years ago, it seemed like when a climate catastrophe happened it was in every newspaper on the planet. Now not a single newspaper can cover everyth...
Advertisements from around the world: harmful or hilarious?
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the connection between commercials and consumerism? What were your most memorable memes on TV and radio? Are you still bombarded with as much ...
What can English and Chinese phrases teach us about ourselves?
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beibei schools Jason on the nuances of Chinese phrases. The Bridge explores the origins of English phrases in China. From ‘a frog in a well’ to ‘...
Where and how do we learn to respect others? What can we learn from visiting foreign shores?
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Not all Chinese families make their kids read the words of Confucius, yet his teachings are everywhere in Chinese values. We talk about American indiv...
From limitless energy to computers that paint masterpieces: We Talk High Tech.
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bridge visits the frontiers of technology to give you the insights to keep you relevant in the fastest period of change in human history. Join Bei...
Join a VFX Supervisor who worked on Star Wars, Spiderman, and Jurassic Park
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Wang, who’s made Beijing his home for the past 6 years, joins us in the studio. We ask him about the movie industries in both the US and China....
An interview with an American hero in China
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beibei and Jason interview Dr. Frank Stonier, an American who joined his community to help fight a fire in the mountains around Chongqing. We discuss ...
What does one need to become American, Benjamin Franklin or YouTube?
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bridge looks at assimilation like you’ve never seen it before. Do you talk about Lincoln at parties or the latest Netflix release? We thought so...
What are markers of cultural assimilation?
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bridge is joined by globe-trotter Jalayana Miller to talk about what changes as you live abroad. Chinese love to drink hot water. Could you give u...
What’s in a name? Where do Harvard, English and identity meet?
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss a viral vlogger’s attempt to reclaim her Chinese identity after quitting English language learning at Harvard. What’s in a name? From F...
Is the new green push in the US enough to move the needle?
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The climate emergency has arrived. The US is set to spend hundreds of billions getting into the green-game. Europe, China and the US are leading the w...
What you need to know about the Mid-Autumn Festival
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Alex schools Jason on the intricacies of Moon Cakes, Lore and regional insider tradition. This episode dives deep to showcase the past pr...
What can be done to retain our talented teachers?
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jason and Beibei are joined by Rick Fakhre from California to talk about what its like to teach in America today. A teacher for more than a decade, Ri...
Recap: when 'inflation' is a bad word
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation is costing the average American $717 more a month, analysis shows. For many, that’s a pain they have to deal with in everyday life. Find o...
Ride a bike to go across China? What has he experienced? Jerry Grey recap
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this recap segment of The Bridge, Jerry Grey, a British Australian who has lived in China for more than 18 years shared his story of riding a bike ...
How do societies and people around the world support the handy-capable?
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beibei and Jason discuss people with special needs and special skills. From curing color blindness to the cutting edge of hearing research The Bridge ...
Recap: fun facts about cultural diffusion
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chinatowns in many countries are major attractions to tourists. What are the things that you want to share with The Bridge about cultural diffusion? W...
Budgeting strategies for living a balanced life
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Americans have been struggling to save more money recently as prices keep growing. Some drive less to cut gas expenditure, and some dine out less but ...
What is micro-management? Recap
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you being micro managed or do you think it's your company culture? Find out more on this recap edition of The Bridge with Alex and Jason. Hosted ...
What are the most popular diet trends this year?
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The team at The Bridge brings you the latest in dieting and self-care. Losing unwanted fat need not come at a price. We talk about losing weight with ...
How to stay money savvy during this trying time
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How to spend and not spend wisely in trying times? Have you been borrowing more on your credit card? Are you checking the gas prices everyday in the h...
How to find a job in China and start a life there?
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever thought of moving to a new country? For example, to China? Life in China could blow your mind if you have been immersed in western media depictio...
Need more romance in your life? China’s romantic Qixi Festival is here.
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Qixi Festival is one of five different romantic holidays celebrated in China. On the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, heaven and earth are joined for t...
Bike riding across China-Jerry Grey's journey never stops
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We invite cross communications specialist Jerry Grey onto the show to discuss England, Australia and living 18 years in China. Jerry describes riding ...
Child care centers are closing-up-shop across the US
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beibei and Jason discuss the future of child care in the US. We talk about global trends in childcare and how families can help in complicated times. ...
When does camera at work help and when does it hurt?
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cutting edge research shows that a monitored employee slows productivity and even leads to employee theft of company property. Alex, an expert in cros...
The real cost of inflation Americans face...
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
America faces a cruel daily reality. Many products from food to oil are more expensive than ever...Inflation is at 9.1% according to US Bureau of Labo...
The dangers of illegal immigration into America
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
America is still a place many people are desperate to enter. With legal vehicles difficult to overcome for many, they are turning to literal vehicles....
Recap: digital gift-giving
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this recap clip, Jesse and Tom shared their opinions about digital gift-giving. They are standup comedians who used to work in China. Jesse Appell ...
Fading beacon? Will fewer Chinese students study in the UK and US?
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With a seemingly endless series of crisis affecting the UK and the US, will Chinese families send their kids to study there? The Bridge talks about wh...
Are rolling heat waves the New Norm? Summer in different cities across the world
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hong Kong's Maurice, Wuhan's Beibei, and California's Jason discuss a world wrapped in heat waves. Are you going to experience power cut this summer i...
Racial profiling in home break-ins in the US is on the rise
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Asian communities in the US are being targeted for home break-ins. The Bridge breaks it down for you. What do you need to know to be safe? Why is crim...
Why has traditional Chinese medicine spread to every corner of the world?
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You can easily find a TCM clinic now in big cities of the US. Cupping and Acupuncture have been popular outside of China for decades, but cupping is a...
How do we preserve culture in the age of screens and plastic?
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nations around the world apply for Intangible Cultural Heritage status for their nations sacred traditions. Beyond saving The Pyramids and The Great W...
Are we phone users or phone slaves? Recap
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a previous episode, BeiBei and Jason discussed about whether our attention is taken away by the content providers of social media, and whether we s...
What does it take to make it as a journalist in China?
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bridge invites Shanghai Daily's Andy Boreham to the show. We discuss life as a journalist in China. Andy talks food, travel and Mandarin in China'...
For some travelling is back. We tell you what you need to know to get back in the air
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alex and Jason at The Bridge have travelled to dozens of cities across the world. Our hosts lay what you need to know before you touch down in Los Ang...
Is EV the future? Will you miss the Vroooom...?
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gas prices are now sky high in the United States. More Americans have turned to electric cars. Is there a similar trend in China? Listen in to The Bri...