Steve Shi is one of China’s leading psychotherapists and host of the 史蒂夫说 podcast. He returns to discuss Inner Wild, his unique project that combines boxing with mental health discussions. We talk about young professionals and couples grappling with pressures of modern society and the importance of physical contact, controlled aggression and building emotional resilience. We examine the societal effects of emotional suppression in Chinese culture, exploring its ties to the economy and violence among disenfranchised individuals. The conversation also touches on vulnerability, human connection, and the challenges of adapting to a less intimate world. We reflect on finding balance between optimism and pessimism in an uncertain future. Finally, we share our own violent fantasies and discuss the meanings behind them. This episode offers an inspiring look at mental health, culture, and personal growth. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

As we head into Chinese New Year, return guest and intercultural leadership coach Gabor Holch joins Justin and Aric for a thought-provoking conversation on self-reflection, leadership, and the human condition. Gabor shares how gratitude and perspective helped him overcome recent challenges while embracing the freedom of self-employment. Together, we explore the impact of AI on work, the influence of parenting styles on personal development, the roots of envy and why the grass always seems greener on the other side. Gabor emphasizes the importance of questioning beliefs, practicing humility, and fostering open-mindedness to bridge cultural divides, especially regarding perceptions of China. Packed with Gabor’s insights and stories, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to grow as a leader and individual. Happy new year... 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Dr. Stewart Desson is a leading expert in psychometrics and is the developer of the renowned personality assessment, Lumina Spark. His approach is a blend of the “analytical” and the “humanistic” for personal and organizational development. He is also on the board of the Association for Business Psychology (ABP) and is the CEO of Lumina Learning. Yimin Wang is a personality development and leadership coach. He is one of the highest certified people development coaches in China, the CEO of Sense Consulting and a Global Partner of Lumina Learning. Jonathan Cannon is a certified business psychologist working in psychometrics. He is responsible for the research & development of Lumina Learning and its core psychometric assessments. Today we talk about the challenges of personality stereotypes, psychological & neuro diversity and the impact of psychometric assessment tools on personal development and organizational culture. We talk about the prevalence of bias and labeling in traditional psychometric tools and society, particularly the overvaluation of extroversion. We talk about the need for a more inclusive approach in recruitment and hiring practices and explore the strengths associated with different neurodivergent traits. We also talk about improving relationships, managing conflicts, our sense of control over our lives, what it takes to actually change our personalities, and if thats even possible. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Layla Chen is an English content creator and solopreneur. She was formerly a trained actor in theatre and film in the UK. Currently, she provides online training and coaching in English pronunciation, voice and public speaking to native Chinese around the world.She graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London with a masters in screen acting.She was also selected to be a leading international figure in the Forbes Global Alliance in 2024.Today we talk about the role of language in our lives.From language learning, miscommunication, cultural differences, dating and marriage.Layla shares her experiences moving to the UK despite not speaking English, the challenges of fitting-in to a new culture and the impact it had when she returned to China.We talk about communication styles and high-context vs low-context societies.The conversation touches on the pressures of marriage in modern Chinese society, the evolving dynamics of relationships and expectations for gender roles.We also talk about dating in the West vs China, the influence of social media on dating culture and how to know when you’ve met “the right person”. 小红书: Layla莱演说 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Today we talk about the psychology of texting, jumping to conclusions, and if we’re destined to repeat the same failures in life. We talk about text message etiquette, the psychology behind quick responses, slow responses and no responses, and “closing the loop” with people we have unintentionally ignored. We talk about jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about others and their intentions.We explore the idea of accepting oneself as is versus constantly struggling to change in the name of personal growth.We talk about fixating on failure versus success, being overly self-critical versus blindly overconfident and the role of luck. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Ethan Robertson is the host of Wheelsboy 车轮哥, a channel dedicated to offering independent reviews of Chinese cars. His videos have over a million subscribers and are available on YouTube and all mainstream Chinese platforms. Today we talk about the electric vehicle (EV) industry in China, including the rise of Chinese EV brands, the challenges they face globally, their competitiveness, shortcomings, environmental impact and the future outlook of the industry. Ethan provides insights into the rapid growth, value proposition, and user experience offered by domestic brands. Ethan also touches upon the challenges faced by the big foreign legacy automakers in China, their declining sales, and the marketing strategies employed by Chinese automakers as they attempt to expand globally. Ethan shares his personal experiences as a car reviewer in China, including his commuting habits, interactions with car manufacturers, maintaining objectivity in his reviews, and his perspective as an American in the Chinese EV industry. YouTube: @wheelsboy Instagram: Wheelsboy_auto 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Dr. Brian Wong is a Rhodes Scholar, geopolitical strategist, tech advisor, author and Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong. His research examines the intersection of geopolitics, political and moral philosophy, and technology. Brian co-founded and now advises the Oxford Political Review and currently serves as a Fellow and Advisor at the Oxford Global Society, an independent think-tank. He is also a Fellow at the Centre on Contemporary China and the World and is the Founding Secretary of Citizen Action Design, a youth policy think-tank based in Hong Kong. Today we talk about the role of rhetoric and manufactured outrage in politics, the challenges of implementing true democracy, and the rise of AI. We critique the notion of democracy as a panacea, and discuss a nuanced approach to governance in a multipolar world. We dive into the current state of American politics, the factors contributing to the disillusionment and frustration among segments of the population, and cultural grievances weaponized by political elites. We talk about AI and its potential impact on jobs and employment. Brian expresses concern about the potential appointment of hawkish individuals in a Trump administration, exacerbating tensions and volatility in US-China relations. He also expresses hope that the younger generations in both countries can help bridge divides. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Cymri Chang is a Creative Producer and friend of the show. Today we discuss the human race, whether it's as a species, a political race or literally racing in the Olympics. We talk about if continuing the human species is important to us. We present cases for and against humanity and its impact on itself and all other living things. We talk about ancestry tests and recount our experience on the day of 9/11. We talk about the US presidential election and candidates like RFK Jr and Kamala Harris's Vice President nominee Tim Walz. We also talk about the Paris Olympics, the controversy around the Chinese swim team, Pan Zhanle, and the systems in which countries produce and incentivize Olympic athletes. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Jorge Castellanos is a stand-up comedian and was a member of the sketch comedy group Mamahuhu, a popular YouTube series. He is also the owner of the Shanghai bar called BnC. He has performed with some of the biggest comedians like Mark Normand, Kyle Kinane and Jim Gaffigan. Today we talk about Jorge’s experience as a comedian in China, navigating censorship, and insights from hosting famous American comedians when they visit China for the first time. We talk about Mamahuhu and its impact on his life in Shanghai. We get into Jorge’s family background as refugees and his father’s experience as a Cuban political prisoner. We talk about expat life in Shanghai, cultural differences and compare things you can’t do or say between China and the US. We share stories on leaving America and the significance of living abroad. Jorge tells us a revealing story about the time he worked at PETA. We also talk about personal struggles with anxiety, self-doubt and relentless inner-voices. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Danny Hu is the CEO of WeCycle and started the largest triathlon community in China. His platform, STC大铁, has gone from a few hundred people to over 100k members and has helped organize 300+ triathlons and other active events across China. Today, in the spirit of the Olympics, we talk to Danny about how he got convinced to enter his first triathlon. We talk about how he taught himself how to swim, his approach to living and his keys to a healthy lifestyle. We discuss his business around community and cycling. Why he encourages everybody to ride a bike and why women have the most important influence on the success of his business and the active lifestyle industry. We also talk about the new wave of active sporting culture in China and his suggestions for some changes in urban planning to help those who want to keep it moving. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Daniel Bateman (白德翰) is a content creator of his own social media channel @baidehan focused on being British, business and lifestyle in China. He is also the host of the "Panda Profits Podcast" and the founder of Brit Bridge, a global consultancy and marketing company. Today we talk about the book "The Game" by Neil Strauss and how it helped Daniel gain confidence in approaching women, dating, and conducting business. We talk about the awkwardness of starting conversations with strangers and the value of being direct, taking initiative, and why we should always be opening. We discuss dating apps, role models, and the fine line between confidence and being a creep. We talk about social media personalities, toxic ideology and social order in the UK and China. We also get into the bumpy ride of maintaining chemistry and resolving conflict when co-hosting a podcast. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.

Ben Cavender is the Managing Director and Head of Strategy with the China Market Research Group (CMR). He helps Fortune 500 companies strengthen their brands positions and presence in China's consumer market. He frequently speaks internationally on innovation, technology, economics and consumer trends. He is frequently quoted and interviewed by news outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, New York Times, Economist, Forbes, Business Insider, BBC, CNN, CNBC, and Channel News Asia. Ben also conducts guest lectures for select MBA and corporate programs such as Harvard Business School. Today we talk about China's economic situation, the rise of domestic Chinese brands, US trade tensions, the impact of AI, the upcoming US presidential election, and raising children in the digital age. 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: [email protected] IG: thehonestdrink_ Find us on: Apple, Spotify, 喜马拉雅, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 小红书, Bilibili, YouTube.