大家好，我们回来了！🎉 欢迎回到新的一季 "Cultural Collision"，作为第三季的开篇，今天我们讨论了——是否存在幸福生活的通用蓝图？在一个充满社会期望、必须遵从传统的世界里，如何才能过上不被困扰的非传统生活？本集中，我们将解读国际化的生活和工作如何重塑了我们对 "正常 "的理解。 除此之外，我们还讨论了婚姻在我们生活中的角色，以及如何在个人责任与对家人和朋友的义务之间取得微妙的平衡。有时，了解自己的愿望并不是最难的，难的是鼓起勇气去付诸行动。请与我们学习接受和赞美自己的与众不同。❤️ Welcome back to a new season of "Cultural Collision," where we dive deep into the stories about people crossing paths and connecting in spontaneous ways. To kick off our third season, we tackle the crucial questions: Is there a universal blueprint for a happy life and how does one live an unconditional lifestyle in a world full of social expectations to conform to tradition? In Episode 1, we unpack how living and working internationally has reshaped our understanding of what is "normal." We also dissect the role of marriage in our lives and how to navigate striking the delicate balance between personal responsibility and the obligations we hold towards our families and friends. Sometimes, knowing your desires isn't the hardest part; it's summoning the courage to act upon them. We end this episode with stories of how we've learned to accept ourselves and celebrate our differences. Hosts: Victoria and EJ Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/TikTok/小宇宙 * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here

本季的最后一期节目中，我们回顾了过去一年与大家共同经历的精彩旅程。在这一季中，我们有幸邀请到了许多了不起的朋友，与我们分享他们的故事，进行精彩的对话，让我们与大家结下了独特的友谊。 今天，我们重温了那些最难忘的时刻，并向每一位与我们一起踏上冒险旅程的听众表示衷心的感谢。❤️ Vic和Mel进行了一个11个趣味问答，让大家从不同层面了解我们。这不仅加深我们彼此之间的连接，也会让你们--我们忠实地听众--了解麦克风背后的我们。做好准备，在我们分享故事、兴趣爱好以及使我们成为现在的我们的小怪癖时，更加深入的了解我们。 每一位听众，感谢你们的坚定支持，感谢你们成为这个了不起的播客不可或缺的一部分。你们的参与、反馈和奉献让我们的播客之旅真正意义非凡。在告别本季播客的同时，我们期待在下一季播客中以全新的视角和更深入的话题中回归。 在我们再次相见之前，请保持好奇心，保持冒险精神。并期待我们下一季的节目！ In our last episode of Season 2, we take a moment to pause, look back, and reminisce on the incredible journey we've shared this past year with you all. Throughout this season, we've had the opportunity of welcoming amazing friends to share their stories and engage in exciting conversations, allowing us to form a unique bond with all of you. Today, we'll be celebrating the highlights of the season, reliving the most unforgettable moments, and expressing our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our listeners for embarking on this adventure with us. ❤️ We also dive into a fun Q&A session with one another for you all to get to know us on a different level. We'll be asking each other questions that will not only deepen our connections but also give you, our cherished audience, a glimpse into the individuals behind the microphones. Prepare to get to know us on a more personal level, as we share stories, interests, and the little quirks that make us who we are. Thank you, our dear listeners, for the unwavering support and for being an integral part of this amazing podcast. Your engagement, feedback, and dedication have made this journey truly remarkable. As we bid farewell to this season, we look forward to returning with fresh perspectives, exciting guests, and more unfiltered connections in the next installment. Until we meet again, stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep forging those unfiltered connections. Chat soon! Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/TikTok * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

"A strong body makes the mind strong." 在这个充满无限可能的世界里，我们深知生命的有限和局限性。然而，作为一名金融科技创业家和活跃的运动员，Jonas在有限的时间里极力扩张他生活的广度。 在金融科技这个需求最旺盛、发展速度最快的行业里工作的同时，Jonas还成功地踏上了全球之旅，并沉浸在一系列极限运动中。工作之余，他积极参与各种运动，从冲浪到滑雪，从潜水到跑步，从骑自行车到挑战铁人三项。 今天，Jonas与我们一起探讨运动如何对他的工作和生活起到了积极的影响，让我们跟随他的脚步一起去追寻工作和生活的平衡吧！ In a world filled with vast possibilities, we understand the limitations of time and the constraints of a single lifetime. However, Jonas is able to do it all as a fintech entrepreneur and active athlete. While working in one of the most in-demand industries – fintech – with the fastest rate of progress, Jonas has managed to embark on a global journey and immerse himself in an array of exhilarating sports. Outside of work, he is actively involved in a variety of sports, from surfing to skiing, diving to running, cycling to even conquering the challenges of triathlons. Jonas joins us today to talk about the associated benefits sports bring to the workplace including a variety of skills including persistence, setting goals, and strategic thinking to name a few. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Jonas Thuerig Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/TikTok * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

无论你是勇往直前的冒险家，还是职场高手，亦或是过着平凡生活的女性，我们共同面对着世界各地的安全挑战。 在这期节目中，我们深入剖析了工作环境中的复杂安全问题，并为女性提供了有益建议，让她们能够积极捍卫自己的权益。让我们共同努力，创造一个让每个女性都能够安心和安全成长的世界。 Today, we shed light on the challenges faced by women worldwide. Whether you're an adventurous solo traveler exploring new horizons, an ambitious professional maneuvering through work environments, or simply going about your daily routine, we understand that security is paramount. We unpack the complexities surrounding workplace safety and offer some solutions to take action and empower women to advocate for their rights and well-being. Together, let's create a world where all women can live, work, and thrive with security and peace of mind. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/TikTok * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

当我们生活在一个通讯无国界的超级链接的世界里时，有很大一群人发现自己已经脱离和感到被孤立。在今天的节目中，我们请来了探索过50多个国家的经验丰富的世界旅行者Cal，他将与我们一起揭示人类的基本需求，这种需求在数字时代往往不被注意：有意义的人际关系（Meaningful Relationship)。 除了战略顾问的角色之外，卡尔还是一个终身学习者，他深入研究了哲学、科学和精神层面。他的热情在于培养与他人建立深刻和有意义的联系，了解这些联系如何能够丰富我们的生活，并引导我们获得超越任何职业所能提供的成就感。加入我们，一起思考关系的非凡力量及其对我们的长远影响。 While we live in a hyper-connected world where communication knows no boundaries, an alarming number of individuals find themselves disengaged and isolated. In today's episode, we have Cal, a seasoned world traveler who has explored over 50 countries, join us to shed light on a fundamental human need that often goes unnoticed in our digital age: meaningful relationships. Beyond his role as a strategy advisor, Cal is a lifelong learner and has delved into the realms of philosophy, science and spirituality. His passion lies in cultivating deep and meaningful connections with others, understanding how these connections can enrich our lives and lead us to a sense of fulfillment beyond what any career can offer. Join us as we explore the extraordinary power of relationships and their impact on our well being. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Cal Amir Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/TikTok * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

让我们深入讨论一个日益普遍的趋势：姐弟恋。 我们的特别嘉宾Vivi Yu分享了她如何打破自己的固有观念寻找爱情的个人历程。她坦率的与我们分享了自己过去的约会经历。Vivi的故事证明了要摆脱与年龄有关的刻板印象所带来的限制，拥抱超越社会界限的爱情。 在整个对话中，我们剖析了长期以来决定我们应该和谁约会以及关系应该如何发展的社会标准。我们讨论了年龄歧视，并打破社会对于姐弟恋先入为主的观念，鼓励大家不要把自己局限在有限的思维和勇气范围内。Vivi就这种关系的复杂性提供了她宝贵的观点，强调超越年龄的共同成长、伴侣关系和共同兴趣。 加入我们，一起讨论如何打破陈规，感受爱的力量，探索爱情关系的多面性，并发现当我们无限制地拥抱爱时，我们都可以找到自己的幸福。 Our special guest, Vivi Yu, shares her personal journey of finding love and fulfillment with a younger partner. With candor and insight, she opens up about her committed relationship and past experiences of dating younger men. Vivi's story serves as an inspiring testament to breaking free from the limitations imposed by age-related stereotypes and embracing love beyond societal boundaries. Throughout the conversation, we dissect the social standards that have long dictated who we should date and how relationships should unfold. We tackle ageism, debunk myths, and dismantle preconceived notions surrounding “traditional relationships". Vivi provides invaluable perspectives on navigating the complexities of such relationships, highlighting the mutual growth, companionship, and shared interests that transcend age. Join us as we challenge the status quo, defy age-related stereotypes, and celebrate the power of love that transcends societal norms. Together, let's explore the multifaceted aspects of intergenerational relationships and discover the profound happiness that can be found when we embrace love without limits. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Vivi Yu Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/TikTok * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

这是久违的Mel和Vic单独讨论关于工作一期，我们都在很多地方工作过（例如中国大陆、中国香港、中国台湾、新加坡和美国）。在这一集里，我们不仅深入探讨了这几不同地区的工作环境，还分享了与来自全球各地的同事或客户一起工作的体会。 从香港、北京和新加坡等快节奏的地方——效率和野心是很重要的，到台湾追求和谐的工作环境和严谨的职业道德，我们将讨论来自不同国家的人们对于工作不同的价值观。其中包括工作节奏、方式、期望以及沟通，他们是如何在工作中合作和寻找工作与生活的平衡。 随着远程工作的兴起，我们还讨论了传统办公室，以及日益流行的混合办公模式。在经历了这些工作模式后，对不同行业的人带来哪些优势以及面临的挑战是什么，以及公司应该如何适应这些不同的工作环境。 加入我们一起讨论和告诉我们你对不断发展的工作世界有哪些新的理解吧！ Mel & Vic are back for a solo episode! Between the two of us, we’ve worked in quite a few places (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United States). In this episode, we dive deep into the diverse work environments of not only these five distinct regions, but also other countries from our personal experience interacting with colleagues or clients around the globe. From the fast-paced business hubs of Hong Kong, Beijing, and Singapore, where efficiency and ambition are paramount, to the disciplined work ethic and harmony-seeking approach of Taiwan, we'll shed light on the cultural values that shape the work experiences of millions. We’ll go over work pacing, expectations, work styles, and communication, and how these cultures shape the way professionals interact, collaborate, and find their work-life balance. With the rise of remote work, we’ll also be discussing the traditional in-office setups that still thrive, and the increasingly popular hybrid models that bridge the gap between the two. Having experienced each of these work modes (Mel is currently remote while Vic is currently hybrid), we discuss the advantages and challenges faced by professionals in each style and how organizations adapt to these diverse work environments. Join us on this eye-opening journey, and gain a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving world of work. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision or 北腔南调on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/TikTok/抖音 * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

传统婚姻不再是被社会接受唯一的承诺形式。如今，人们正在重新定义关系（Relationship）的含义，从非正式约会到长期的关系，以及两者之间的一切。我们很高兴邀请到了Vic的好朋友Juliette，她对于开放式关系（Open Relationship）有自己的体验和看法，她大胆分享自己的见解，与我们一起探索开放式关系。 Juliette像我们说明了维持多种亲密关系的动机、沟通方式和情感的复杂性。我们探讨了打破传统关系结构会给我们带来什么，如何帮助个人成长、自我发现和加深对爱的理解。 无论你是对另一种关系模式感到好奇，还是寻求挑战社会的固有观念，本集提供的经验和观点将带你一起打破传统，探索爱情的无限可能性。 Gone are the days when traditional marriage was the only socially accepted form of commitment. Nowadays, people are redefining what it means to be in a relationship, from casual dating to long-term partnerships, and everything in between. We're thrilled to have Vic's good friend Juliette, a guest who has firsthand experience in open relationships, join us as we explore the fascinating realm of non-monogamous partnerships. Together, we navigate uncharted territory, discussing the challenges, joys, and misconceptions surrounding open relationships in the modern world. Juliette's valuable insights shed light on the motivations, communication strategies, and emotional complexities involved in maintaining multiple intimate connections. We explore the benefits of breaking free from conventional relationship structures and examine how open relationships contribute to personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of love. Whether you're curious about alternative relationship models or seeking to challenge your own preconceptions, this episode offers experiences and perspectives that will inspire you to question the norms and explore the infinite possibilities of love. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Juliette Hautemont Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

我们总是按部就班的规划人生，然后不遗余力的去按照计划执行。我们也总认为来日方长，时间很慢，未来还很远。但我们却屡屡忘记世事无常。 生活中会有各种各样的遗憾，今天Nandini告诉我们人生还有一种遗憾是没有做自己想做的事。 来自伦敦的Nandini，在北京生活了8年后，她抓住机会打破常规，裸辞休假七个月，去世界各地旅行，与亲人重聚，并从中寻找自我。Nandini鼓励我们把握每一刻，在生活中寻找快乐，而不要等待‘完美时刻’才开始行动。 让我们与Nandini一起踏上这段令人惊奇的冒险旅程。通过她的经历，我们探讨了自我反思和个人成长的力量，当我们在日常生活中，也可以利用这种力量，去开启我们不同的人生模式。 Today, we are joined by a remarkable guest, Nandini, who will take us on an inspiring adventure of self-discovery and exploration. Nandini, originally from London, spent a total of eight years in Beijing, China where she has worked for governmental organizations, media organizations, and several other community organizations. However, seizing the opportunity to break free from the routine after nearly three uninterrupted years in China due to the Covid restrictions, she recently embarked on a seven-month sabbatical, which allowed her to travel, reconnect with loved ones, and prioritize personal growth. In this episode, we dive into Nandini's experience of navigating life beyond the conventional path. We challenge the notion that travel should be reserved solely for retirement, and instead embrace the idea of living a fulfilling life in every phase. Through her stories, Nandini encourages us to seize the present and find joy in the journey, rather than waiting for the perfect moment. Join us as we unravel the tales of Nandini's sabbatical adventure and delve into the valuable insights she gained along the way. Through her experiences, we explore the power of self-reflection, connection, and personal growth that can be harnessed when we take a break from the daily grind. Be inspired as we embark on this incredible journey with Nandini, discovering how a sabbatical can provide a transformative shift in perspective and open doors to a life lived to the fullest. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Nandini Venkata Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram/小宇宙 * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

我们都希望找到让自己充满激情的职业，并一直做下去。但是你知道吗？根据美国劳工部的数据，平均每个人在其工作生涯中会换5-7次职业，大约30%的人每12个月就会换一份工作。 在这一集里，我们和好朋友Jayson一起聊一聊关于他鼓舞人心的职业转型历程。他出生在特立尼达和多巴哥共和国—加勒比海南部的一个岛国，获得美国阿默斯特学院本科全奖，毕业后留校担任大学招生代表后，他来到中国担任顾问指导国际学生申请大学，现在在澳洲攻读信息技术硕士学位。 我们将听到Jayson如何驾驭更换职业道路的挑战，发现新的激情所在，并在意想不到的地方找到成功。我们也讨论了承担风险的重要性，保持对新机会的开放态度，以及拥抱变化。这些都是个人和职业成长中重要的催化剂。 跟我们一起走进Jayson的职业转型道路吧！ In a world where we're often told to find our one true passion and stick with it for life, many of us face the pressure to choose a career path that defines us forever. But according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average person changes careers 5-7 times during their working life, and approximately 30% of the total workforce changes jobs every 12 months. In this episode, we sit down with our friend Jayson to hear his inspiring career transition journey. From his humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago, to his experience as a university admissions representative in the United States, his move to China as an international admissions counselor, and finally his move to Australia to pursue his Master's degree in Information Technology, Jayson's journey has been full of twists and turns. We'll hear about how Jayson navigated the challenges of starting over, discovering new passions, and finding success in unexpected places. We'll discuss the importance of taking risks, staying open to new opportunities, and embracing change as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Join us for a conversation about the realities of navigating career transitions and finding fulfillment in your work. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Jayson Paul Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US * Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Instagram * Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

Death Cafe（死亡茶社）由瑞士社会学家和人类学家Dr. Bernard Crettaz于2011年在英国开始创办。从那时起，已经在全世界超过66个国家举办这一活动，目的为人们提供一个安全和温馨的空间，让大家在没有议程、目标或主题的情况下自由的谈论死亡。 在这一集里，我们请到了一位非常特别的嘉宾，她已经在北京、上海和柏林举办了50多场死亡茶社的活动。Ziyi是一位真正的倡导者，她提倡公开和诚实地讨论死亡和临终问题，并与我们分享她在主持这些活动中的经验和见解。我们讨论了围绕死亡和临终的误解，不同的文化如何对待这个话题，以及开放和诚实的对话所带来的变革力量。 与我们一起思考关于死亡和谈论死亡的可以带给我们的启发。无论你是对死亡茶社感到好奇，还是想要了解如何谈论和探索死亡，我们非常推荐你收听本期节目。 Death Cafes are a relatively new phenomenon that started in the UK back in 2011, inspired by the work of Swiss sociologist and anthropologist Dr. Bernard Crettaz. Since then, they have been hosted in over 66 countries worldwide, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to talk about death with no agenda, objectives or themes. In this episode, we're joined by a very special guest who has hosted over 50 Death Cafe events across Beijing, Shanghai, and Berlin. Ziyi Huang is a true advocate for open and honest discussions about death and dying, and she shares with us her experiences and insights from hosting these unique events. Our guest today shares with us why she started hosting these gatherings, what Death Cafes are really about, and how they can help people approach and understand death in a more meaningful and positive way. We discuss the misconceptions around death and dying, how different cultures approach the topic, and the transformative power of open and honest conversation. Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion about death, dying, and the importance of talking about it. Whether you're curious about Death Cafes or simply interested in exploring your own feelings around mortality, this episode is a must-listen. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Ziyi Huang Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Youtube/Instagram Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]

在中国，身为LGBTQ群体的一员，可能会面临一系列法律和社会层面的挑战。在本期节目中，我们邀请到了一位特别嘉宾，Elaine Poon，香港出生美国加州长大，毕业后回到中国在过去的7年里，她一直北京生活和工作，并且她也是LGBTQ群体的一员。 Elaine在中国作为这个社区的一员有着积极的经历，并且告诉大家同性恋在中国并不像西方所想象的那样被所有人排斥。Elaine与我们分享了她独特的经历和对在中国成为同性恋的看法，以及LGBTQ社区如何在中国取得进展。她还为在中国寻找该群体的人提供了建议，帮助他们应对挑战。 Being a part of the LGBTQ community in China may come with its own set of legal and social challenges that are not experienced by non-LGBT residents. However, these challenges do not mean there is no space for this community in China. In this episode, we are joined by a special guest, Elaine Poon, an Asian American who identifies as part of the LGBTQ community and has been living in China for the past 7 years. Elaine had a positive experience being part of this community in China and debunks the negative ideas about how the gay community is accepted in China from a western perspective. Elaine shares with us her unique stories and insights on what it is like to be gay in China, and how the LGBTQ community is making strides in the country. She also provides advice for those who are looking for that community in China and how they can navigate the challenges. Hosts: Melody Su and Victoria Gu Guest: Elaine Poon Music Credit: Keep Calm & Podcast CONNECT WITH US Subscribe and Follow us @Cultural.Collision on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Youtube/Instagram Let us know your feedback on the podcast here Email: [email protected]