LUKE PRIDDY: Teaching and Traveling with Cloud English & Yoli
#052 - Teaching and Traveling with Cloud English & Yoli | Luke Priddy
Luke Priddy is a teacher, traveler, a “maker” and a thinker. He is the founder of Cloud English, a co-founder of Yoli, a GPS treasure hunter, and a self-described “slightly unconventional” guy who finds grace in the middle spaces of life. We had a great talk, and Luke is such a natural interviewer that he even turned the tables and had me answering the questions more than usual. Enjoy.
PREORDER my e-book LITTLE FISH IN THE BIGGEST POND here:
https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/book/
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or search and subscribe wherever YOU get your podcasts
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
BD’s “My Stackry Unboxing Video": https://youtu.be/FvEWXxzZm3I
GUEST:
Luke Priddy -
Yoli Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yoli/yoli-fund-your-dream-lifestyle/
For Yoli tutors: Yolichat.com
Website: Cloudenglish.net
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CloudEnglish
BDC (Brendan Davis Consulting): https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/brendan-davis-consulting/
“BFMK" HOST / SHOW:
“Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
JEFF TOWSON: Finance, Healthcare, and Investing in China
#051 - Finance, Healthcare, and Investing in China | Jeff Towson
This week’s guest is Jeff Towson. Jeff has a very eclectic career, ranging from finance to healthcare and media. He is a professor of finance at Peking University, an investor, and a popular blogger and influencer online on topics most often related to business in China. I’ve enjoyed and have learned a lot from reading his articles and watching his videos, which you can find at his website linked below. Enjoy!
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or search and subscribe wherever YOU get your podcasts
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
BD’s “My Stackry Unboxing Video": https://youtu.be/FvEWXxzZm3I
GUEST:
Jeff Towson online: http://jefftowson.com
Articles: http://jefftowson.com/my-writing/
Videos: http://jefftowson.com/resources/
Books: http://jefftowson.com/one-hour-china/
BDC (Brendan Davis Consulting): https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/brendan-davis-consulting/
LITTLE FISH IN THE BIGGEST POND e-book PREORDER page: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/book/
“BFMK" HOST / SHOW:
“BigFish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
CHELSEY MARK / MAI XIAO LONG: Acting, Emceeing, Comedy, and More
#050 - Acting, Emceeing, Comedy, and More | Chelsey Mark / Mai Xiao Long
“I want people to know what it takes to be happy.”
In a sentence, that sums up talking with Chelsey Mark. Chelsey - known as Mai Xiao Long in Chinese - is from a family of actual Canadian legends. His father was a long-term Member of Parliament, his grandfather helped build the Canadian railroads, but Chelsey came to China to find his calling. He’s been here 18 years, and as he says in the interview, he moved here a boy but it made him a man. He started in music, became an in-demand emcee, and from 2007-2012 he was the official host of NBA China’s coverage. Chelsey has done seemingly hundreds of great, high-profile interviews and entertainment gigs, whether hosting, singing, dancing, acting, rapping, playing an instrument, doing comedy, or leading a motivational event. In terms of public performance, there isn’t much that he hasn’t done, and I imagine he’ll be very successful in everything he does next. Enjoy!
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or search and subscribe wherever YOU get your podcasts
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
BD’s “My Stackry Unboxing Video": https://youtu.be/FvEWXxzZm3I
GUEST:
Chelsey Mark links - Western:
Website: https://www.maixiaolongchelseymark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaixiaolongChelseyMark/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chelseymaixiaolong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maixiaolongchelseymark/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChelseyMarkMXL
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseymarkmaixiaolong/
Chelsey Mark - China Social Media:
Weibo 微博: https://weibo.com/maixiaolongchelsey
Public WeChat 微信公众号: maixiaolongcm
BDC (Brendan Davis Consulting): https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/brendan-davis-consulting/
LITTLE FISH IN THE BIGGEST POND e-book PREORDER page: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/book/
“BFMK" HOST / SHOW:
“Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
FEI WU: Chinese Podcasting & Mastering XimalayaFM
#049 - Chinese Podcasting & Mastering XimalayaFM | Fei Wu
This weeks’ guest is Fei Wu. Fei is a “returning champion” guest, our very first who has now done two full episodes. I wanted to have her back on to specifically discuss everything she’s been up to lately related to China. In this episode we talk a lot about the dominant Chinese audio platform called XimalayaFM and Fei’s upcoming efforts to help bridge the gap for international podcasters and consumers to use and enjoy it. Note that I say “platform” and not “app”, because in the very Chinese way of doing things, Ximalaya isn’t “just” a podcast app. It’s a media universe unto itself, and if you want to be a big deal in China you’ve gotta get on it. Since Fei is a Chinese person who speaks the language but has lived more than half her life in the US and has run a successful English-language show for 3.5 years now, I think she’s pretty much an ideal person to help open that platform up to a more international audience.
On a personal note, Fei has definitely inspired me to find an intern and get “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” up to date and active on Ximalaya again, but I need help. So if you are bilingual English-Chinese, have some spare time, and want to either earn college credit OR get an inside view at how we make the podcast donuts here, please get in touch!
SHOW NOTES:
[1:30] - B. Davis appeal for bilingual INTERN
[1:50] - BDC launch info
[2:15] - B. Davis e-book PREORDER announcement
[3:30] - “BFMK” PATREON announcement
[6:30] - Fei Wu trip to Zhuhai, China
[11:00] - Fei’s Mom contributes to Zhuhai charity auction
[12:45] - Zhuhai Red Cross efforts
[14:30] - XimalayaFM introduction & efforts
[17:00] - Fei on becoming a larger mix of cultures
[19:00] - Fei’s upcoming course to master XimalayaFM in ANY language
[22:00] - scope of XimalayaFM (500+ Million users; inclusive, WeChat-paradigm platform)
[26:30] - overcoming barriers to entry with XimalayaFM
[27:00] - XimalayaFM offerings
[28:00] - opportunity for English podcasts on XimalayaFM
[29:45] - creating themed sub-channels to collect “like” content
[31:30] - post-production demands of Fei’s World podcast
[32:00] - Fei’s XimalayaFM show format will be a beta at launch
[34:30] - being China-smart re cultural differences
[35:15] - Brian Koppleman (“The Moment” podcast; “Billions” TV show co-creator) as inspiration
[36:15] - change is good, embrace it
[37:30) - Fei’s documentary film about her journey in podcasting
[39:00] - how Fei’s World has transformed her, and some of her guests as well
[39:30] - Fei on the importance of self-care; wrap-up
[40:30] - B. Davis outro
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or search and subscribe wherever YOU get your podcasts
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
BD’s “My Stackry Unboxing Video": https://youtu.be/FvEWXxzZm3I
GUEST:
Fei’s World site: https://www.feisworld.com
Fei Wu's XimalayaFM course: Feisworld.com/course
BDC (Brendan Davis Consulting): https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/brendan-davis-consulting/
LITTLE FISH IN THE BIGGEST POND e-book PREORDER page:
“BFMK" HOST / SHOW:
“Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
JAMES LALONDE: The Language of Entrepreneurship
#048 - The Language of Entrepreneurship | James LaLonde
James LaLonde is a 6th generation Texan with a French-sounding name, but he’s been a student of Asia for decades. He grew up on a ranch in South Austin but his interest in and passion for languages and cultures led him on a very unexpected journey. He was an intern for IBM and later a key team member of Microsoft’s early efforts in Japan, but he always had his eye on China. He met his current partner and founded Yodo1, which has become the most successful private company in China's online gaming space. The story of Yodo1 is a podcast in itself, but there is a lot more to discuss - including James and partners’ new venture Yoli, which is the leading on-demand language learning app on WeChat. We also talk about his efforts mentoring young entrepreneurs for Chinaccellerator, his upcoming book The Tao of Startups (which he’s writing natively in English, Chinese, and Japanese for the different editions), the potential impact of China’s Belt and Road initiative and the new Free Trade Zone on Hainan Island, and much more.
I’ve previously met James at two of the EO events that I released as bonus episodes, so if you’d like to hear him presenting to a live audience, be sure to check those out, too. Links to everything discussed are in the show notes, so be sure to check out James’ website and writings to to hear his thoughts on a wide range of issues from his highly accomplished, unique perspective. Enjoy!
This episode of “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” is brought to you in part by our sponsor, Stackry. Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or search and subscribe wherever YOU get your podcasts
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
BD’s “My Stackry Unboxing Video": https://youtu.be/FvEWXxzZm3I
GUEST:
James Lalonde links and QR codes -
Yodo1:
http://www.yodo1.cn/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yodo1
Chinaccelerator bio:
https://chinaccelerator.com/mentors/james-lalonde/
LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/jameslalonde
Yoli:
http://yolichat.com/
Articles:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hainan-legend-making-james-lalonde/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/imitation-sincerest-form-flattery-james-lalonde/
The Tao of Startups (book page):
https://www.startuptaobook.com
HOST / SHOW:
“Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
CHRISLYN CHOO: Storytelling & Identity
#047 - Storytelling & Identity | Chrislyn Choo
This week’s guest is Chrislyn Choo. Chrislyn is a storyteller, which takes shape in the form of writing, photojournalism, video, and in her daily life. She’s young but already highly accomplished, with a degree in Neuroscience from Duke University and a regional Emmy-award for her work documenting the harvesting of clean energy from pickle water - which I had no idea was even a thing! She’s also a curious inquirer of different cultures and a dedicated student of the nature of identity. Chrislyn is on a still-evolving identity reclamation project of her own, currently on a mission to discover the parts of herself that have strong roots in China, and we had a really fast but thought-provoking conversation ranging from identity issues to dealing with the effects of generational trauma, and more.
What’s funny is that what was planned as essentially a mentoring meeting turned into an impromptu interview request. I first met Chrislyn at the EO event that I posted a recording of last week, and was struck by just how present and engaged she was in serious issues, but with a sense of humor and perspective that seemed pretty unique to me. As far as having her on the show, as we started talkign in our meeting yesterday I realized that she’s on a unique China adventure herself, and I thought her story would be relatable to a lot of people now, and to more and more as people like her - Americans and other foreigners who are ethnically part of the Chinese diaspora returns home to rediscover their Asian roots - so I was very happy to invite her to share it here. Enjoy.
This episode of “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” is brought to you in part by our sponsor, Stackry. Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or search and subscribe wherever YOU get your podcasts
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
BD’s “My Stackry Unboxing Video": https://youtu.be/FvEWXxzZm3I
GUEST:
Chrislyn Choo website: http://www.chrislynchoo.com/
StoryDriven: http://www.wearestorydriven.com
Chrislyn Choo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislynchoo/
HOST / SHOW:
“Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
JONATHAN GARRISON: From Punk Rock to International Business
#046 - From Punk Rock to International Business | Jonathan Garrison
This week's guest is Jonathan Garrison. Among his other career highlights, Jon was a VP at Goldman Sachs for almost 10 years in both the US and China, a former General Manager of Dalian Wanda Group, an Executive Producer on the movie SOUTHPAW, and most recently, the founder and CEO of a new venture called En Route. Jon’s story is very unique and seriously impressive, but what’s maybe the most impressive is how humble of a guy he is, considering all that he’s accomplished. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that this is probably the only interview I will ever do with someone who can just as easily and completely authoritatively discuss helping spearhead Goldman Sachs’s entry into China, the Dalian Wanda Group’s splashy self-introduction to Hollywood for the launch of Qingdao Studios, AND rocking the stage as frontman for his own punk rock band back in the days when you could still run into Henry Rollins in the crowd, or have someone pull you up onstage to belt out a song with him before tossing the mic and diving back into the mosh pit. This is a good one.
Of course I hope you listen to the whole interview, but moving forward I am taking a queue from my friend Fei Wu and am now going to bullet point my show notes with a rough timecode reference so that you can skip to the part you’re most interested in hearing - ideally for a second time. However you listen, though, I can glad that you do and I hope that you enjoy.
This episode of “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” is brought to you in part by our sponsor, Stackry. Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. This week’s update is that I am now working to build my next Stackry shipment, so my story will continue! I need some things for Summer from the US, and Stackry makes it easy and cost-effectve for me to get them here in Beijing, but you can use their site and get your Stackry story started, too. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
And one quick program note that another special live episode from an Entrepreneur’s Organization event drops this Friday China time, so check back for that.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
[3:30] - Jon Garrison intro / early days
[7:00] - From Utah / Boston / China intro
[11:00] - Goldman Sachs: from the US to China
[13:30] - Building a business and a life in China
[16:30] - Dalian Wanda group: Hollywood outreach & Qingdao Studios
[35:30] - Back to the US: Park City Studios
[37:30] - Back to China: En Route Media
[50:30] - Chinese cooking
[52:00] - Rock and punk roots: Sex Pistols, Black Flag, Agnostic Front, Dag Nasty, Slayer, and more
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or wherever YOU get your podcasts
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
BD’s “My Stackry Unboxing Video": https://youtu.be/FvEWXxzZm3I
GUEST:
Jon Garrison / En Route: http://www.enroute-global.com/
HOST / SHOW:
“Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
MANYA KOETSE: What’s On Weibo?
#044 - What’s On Weibo? | Manya Koetse
This week's guest is Manya Koetse. Manya is a sinologist & japanologist and the founder & editor-in-chief of What's on Weibo. What’s on Weibo is, in their words, “...an independent blog that sheds light on trends in China by closely following its social media, the latest digital developments and changing media landscape”, and that says it better than I ever could. Among the major topics trending as we recorded last week are the results of the 19th National Party Congress, especially the end of term limits for the President; the visit of Kim Jong-Un to Beijing, and what the Sino-NK diplomatic thaw means for US-China relations; and the so-called “Halalification” of China, among others.
Of course, a natural question for anyone who’s not familiar with it, and one that we address in the show, is: what IS Weibo? As Manya says, it’s sort of the China equivalent of Facebook, twitter, Instagram, and more. Now, in many ways Weibo doesn’t seem as relevant as WeChat; anyone who’s dealt with China in the last few years will tell you that WeChat has become an essential piece of daily life here. WeChat is mostly used for paying bills, for chatting, for sending files, and making audio or video calls a la Skype. WeChat’s “Moments” is analogous to the facebook News Feed, but it’s features are limited and it’s much less “sticky”. The biggest difference in the actual “social media" aspect is that WeChat posts are ONLY visible to your friend’s circle, whereas Weibo posts are discoverable and are intended for things you want - or feel you NEED - to share with the world. This is what makes Weibo more similar to the western social apps than to the messaging-oriented apps like WhatsApp or WeChat.
Before we get to the interview, I want to give a special shoutout to our sponsor, Stackry. Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. This week’s update on my own Stackry story is that my first Stackry package has landed in HK and is due to arrive in Beijing later this week. Of course local Customs has to do their thing, which takes awhile, and then hopefully all my stuff will be in my hot little hands soon. I’ll update you as my Stackry story continues, and it’s really easy to use their site and get yours started, too. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes HERE or search / subscribe to the show wherever YOU get your podcasts!
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018 or (if bit.ly doesn’t work for you) https://www.stackry.com/?utm_source=Big_Fish&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_term=10%25
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
GUEST:
What’s on Weibo: www.whatsonweibo.com
Manya Koetse on Twitter: @manyapan
HOST / SHOW:
“Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
NIGULA BABAYEVA: From A(zerbaijan) to B(eijing)
#043 - From A(zerbaijan) to B(eijing) | Nigula Babayeva
Nigula Babayeva has quite a tale. She was working as an auditor at a Big 4 accounting firm in her native Azerbaijan, but she wanted more adventure in her life. She applied for a scholarship to an international MBA program in Beijing, and while she waiting for a decision from the school, she had a near-death experience, nearly drowning in the Caspian Sea. The very next day Nigula found out she was accepted, so she bought a one-way ticket, moved, and THEN told everyone back home she was leaving. She’s been here two years now, and along the way - from her former job running social media at restaurant / crossfit gym mashup GLO, to her current day job as, again, an auditor, Nigula has also applied her lifelong love of athletics to become a serious martial arts practitioner. She won 3rd place in her very first international wushu competition and hasn’t looked back. Nigula trains jiu-jitsu with world-renowned competitor and coach Paulo Tavares, among her other pursuits. Good talk, great story. Enjoy!
Paolo Tavares
But first, let me give you a quick update from our sponsor, Stackry. As you may know by now, Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. This week’s update on my own Stackry story is that Stackry has done their packing consolidation magic, and my streamlined package is beginning it’s journey all the way over here to me in Beijing. I’ll update you as my Stackry story continues, and it’s really easy to use their site and get yours started, too. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2 or wherever YOU get your podcasts
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link: http://bit.ly/BigFish2018
Use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
GUEST:
Nigula Babayeva on Instagram:
nigulababayeva
On moving to Beijing:
http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/YT0uA1KNcCXCybxWY0J2tA
Kyle Mullin / The Beijinger article:
http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2017/06/20/beijing-expats-shaolin-kung-fu-odyssey-nigula-babayeva
HOST / SHOW:
please LIKE “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigFishMiddleKingdom/
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
ZACH CAGLE: From ATL to ZZ BBQ
#042 - From ATL to ZZ BBQ | Zach Cagle
This week’s guest is Zach Cagle. Zach originally moved to China from Atlanta to study, but a love of cooking for friends and a challenge from a buddy led to his creating Zax BBQ, in Zhengzhou. When I arrived here last week, my local host stressed that I had to visit Zax and try their food, and I am very glad I heeded that advice - so thanks, Frank! As we discuss in the show, Zax BBQ has been honored by TripAdvisor as not only the best foreign restaurant in Zhengzhou - a modern city of 8-10 million people - but as THE best restaurant in Zhengzhou. Having eaten there the last two nights in a row, I can definitely see why. Zach and I have a free-wheeling and wide-ranging conversation about America and China and everything in-between that occurs to us in the time allotted. Thanks to the Southern mind-meld speech patterns that Zach and I both slipped into and our mutual sync about our conversational topics, there are a grand total of ZERO edits in the actual interview this time, a new record! I have heard from some regular listeners that they really like the less-edited interviews, so as long as I can avoid any technical issues and keep myself (mostly) on track, I will aim to do that more and more often. Enjoy!
But first, let me give you a quick update from our sponsor, Stackry. As you may know by now, Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. This week’s update on my own Stackry story is that all of my items have now arrived at their warehouse, and my very first shipment is being consolidated as I speak! Stackry will do their packing consolidation magic, and then my streamlined package will be making its way to me in Beijing. I’ll update you as my Stackry story continues, and it’s really easy to use their site and get yours started, too. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
This photo by Zax BBQ; I had the pork ribs last night but was too busy eating to document the occasion.
My actual dinner after the interview! :D
Okay! Now, please enjoy my interview with Zach Cagle.
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at:
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Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=174877&refid=stpr
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link HERE!
Create an account, build an order, and THEN use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
GUEST:
Zach Cagle / Zax BBQ links:
TripAdvisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297435-d5537787-Reviews-ZAX_BBQ-Zhengzhou_Henan.html
Dianping - http://www.dianping.com/shop/15880311
HOST / SHOW:
please LIKE “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook:
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
KEVIN GEIGER: Disney, Beijing Film Academy, & Magic Dumpling
#041 - Disney, Beijing Film Academy, & Magic Dumpling | Kevin Geiger
This week’s guest is Kevin Geiger. Kevin is a founding partner of creative development company Magic Dumpling. Kevin has a pioneering, lifelong background in animation and VR, working on and off at Disney for many years both in Burbank and China, as well as building two versions of Magic Dumpling between Disney stints. He also owns a children’s book company called Peewee Frog that is doing some really cool stuff.
Among all the great points that Kevin makes based on his extensive experience and perspective working here is the main, macro one - namely, that China IS changing, but that it won't change for YOU. We also discuss the point that you can’t view China and attempt to solve any challenges you may be having in dealing with or understanding it through an outside lens, especially a western one. To interact successfully and satisfyingly here, you have to gain some real local perspective and develop an alternate set of instincts that are relevant for this reality as it is, not what you imagine it to be. Lots of food for thought in this episode, and many good words to heed before diving into anything over here.
But it's not all serious; in fact, it's mostly a fast, fun and (hopefully) funny talk, and I hope you enjoy it. Links to check out all of Kevin's very cool enterprises are in the show notes; if you're a China-curious creative, this episode is especially a don't-miss.
Before we get into the interview I want to take a minute and tell you about our sponsor, Stackry. Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. I have an update on my own Stackry story: I see from the Stackry website that I’ve had one big batch of items delivered to their warehouse in New Hampshire, and I have one last order on it’s way to them. As soon as everything arrives, Stackry will do their packing consolidation magic and get everything moving towards me here in Beijing. I’ll update you as my Stackry story continues, and it’s really easy to use their site and get yours started, too. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
Enjoy!
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at:
Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=174877&refid=stpr
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link HERE!
Create an account, build an order, and THEN use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
GUEST:
Kevin Geiger links:
Personal website - www.kevingeiger.com
Linkedin profile - www.linkedin.com/in/kevingeiger
Magic Dumpling's website - www.magicdumpling.com
Peewee Frog's website - www.peeweefrog.com
VR/AR/animation blog - https://www.awn.com/blogs/reality-bites
HOST / SHOW:
please LIKE “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook: facebook.com/bigfishmiddlekingdom
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
ALAN PAUL: Big in China
#040 - Big in China | Alan Paul
This week's guest is Alan Paul. Alan is a former Guitar World and Wall Street Journal writer from the US who somehow became a notable Beijing-based blues musician. Alan wrote a memoir called Big in China about his crazy musical experiences here, and tells the story of how it all began - thanks to a broken guitar, a Chinese repairman who was also a secret musical wizard, and their shared love of Stevie Ray Vaughn. And in a strangely related note, Alan also has a huge connection to legendary Southern rock group the Allman Brothers Band. From writing about and interviewing them over a 25 year period, Alan became an insider in their world, and we talk a bit about his best-selling Allmans book One Way Out. The story of how it came to be, in part, because of Allmans drummer Butch Trucks’ discovery of and respect for Alan’s China book is pretty awesome. Great talk.
"Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom" is sponsored by STACKRY. Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
Lastly, the "Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom" Facebook group has really been growing lately, and the show is now also available on the Stitcher platform! Apple Podcasts and iTunes downloads and subscriptions are still as important as ever, but I’d also really like to have a nice showing on Stitcher our first few weeks if possible, so please check out the Facebook group, SUBSCRIBE in Apple Podcasts and/or Stitcher if you want to help the show find new fans, and thanks in advance!
Now, please enjoy the interview with Alan Paul!
Please SUBSCRIBE to “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” at:
Apple Podcasts / iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/big-fish-in-the-middle-kingdom/id1237037187?mt=2
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=174877&refid=stpr
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link HERE!
Create an account, build an order, and THEN use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
GUEST:
Alan Paul LINKS:
www.facebook.com/alanpaulauthor
www.alanpaul.net/blog
One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band
Big in China audio book: http://amzn.to/2FaeKcm
Big in China Band
Friends of the Brothers band
HOST / SHOW:
please LIKE “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” on Facebook:
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/
PETER LEVENDA: China Business Secrets, Space Programs, & UFOs
#039 - China Business Secrets, Space Programs, & UFOs | Peter Levenda
This week’s show, and show notes, are both longer than usual - but with very good reason! Hang on, it’s going to be a fun and occasionally wild ride...
My guest today, for the first show in the Year of the Dog, is none other than internationally esteemed writer and lecturer Peter Levenda. Mr. Levenda has a truly massive and very influential body of work, including his groundbreaking China business book “The Mao of Business”, and he is considered to be something of a legend in certain circles. For roughly 40 years, Levenda has taken a very rational, scientific and historical approach to researching topics that are most commonly viewed through a conspiracy theory lens, and he’s won the respect of mainstream scientists, academics, and fans around the world as a result.
Lately, Levenda is most well-known for his work with rockstar @TomDeLonge of Blink182 and his “To The Stars” initiative, which is responsible for facilitating the recent high-level US Government disclosures regarding the UFO phenomenon, as reported on the front page of The New York Times and other newspapers around the world. This is an outgrowth of Levenda's earlier work writing extensively on post-WW2 issues related to the fate of various bad guys who escaped Germany and their subsequent roles in the founding of the US space program and other intrigues. But what’s most relevant to OUR show today is Levenda’s passionate interest in and pioneering role doing international trade with China, beginning in 1984.
Among other topics, we discuss: his early studies doing translations of Chinese alchemical texts as he earned his Master’s degree, and their relationship to Cabalistic material; his 34+ year career working with and traveling in China, and his impressions of how the country has grown and evolved as he has met and worked with people from all walks of life here; the disconnect between the “virtual China” that most outsiders conceive of versus the reality of the place; China’s sense of itself and how approaching it with a colonial, antagonistic attitude is a recipe for disaster; how China’s own space program will likely distinguish itself in the near future; the broader power dynamics at play in the East versus the West and what a smart China strategy should consider; and much more. We also cover the “To The Stars” project somewhat as well as other random tangents that pop up here and there, so it’s a relative buffet of Levenda goodness.
This one gets very philosophical yet is extremely practical too. Peter is not only learned, he is also dryly funny and we had a wonderful chat. With all due respect to my other guests, I have to say that this is possibly my favorite episode of the show so far, so I really hope you’ll give it a listen and that you enjoy it if you do!
Also - we have a NEW, international sponsor this week! Stackry is the global leader in international parcel forwarding from the US to anywhere in the world. The way it works is that you shop at any US retailer, have your packages shipped to your Stackry address, and once everything has arrived, Stackry consolidates your stuff and ships it to you anywhere in the world, even China, saving you up to 80% of the shipping costs versus shipping things directly from the store. Stackry provides free storage, same day consolidation of your packages, and a tax-free US address for you to use. I’m building my very first Stackry shipment from the US to China right now; it’s really easy to use their site and get started. Sign up TODAY via the link below, and use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout to save 10% off your first shipment.
Alright! This is a giant intro, but it’s a pretty epic show. All the links are also available on the blog page at crazyinagoodway.com. Now, please enjoy my interview with Peter Levenda.
SPONSOR:
Stackry “Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom” sign-up link HERE!
Create an account, build an order, and THEN use the offer code BIGFISH at the checkout, and save 10% off your first shipment!
GUEST:
Peter Levenda website: http://peterlevenda.com
Peter Levenda on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Levenda/100012276609499
Peter Levenda on Twitter: @Peter_Levenda
“To The Stars” website: https://coi.tothestarsacademy.com
The New York times article referenced in the show: "Glowing Auras and ‘Black Money’: The Pentagon’s Mysterious U.F.O. Program" - https://nyti.ms/2kB62aH
HOST / SHOW:
Brendan Davis on WeChat: BrendanDavis
Brendan Davis on Twitter: @VeritasInLux
Other links to LISTEN: https://www.crazyinagoodway.com/podcast-links/