Dr. Stewart Desson is a leading expert in psychometrics and 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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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”. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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 _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Daniel Bateman 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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Tilman Rieger is a conflict mediator, interpersonal and cross-cultural communication expert. He is the founder of 8C Consulting and an expert in the fields of nonviolent communication, transactional analysis, positive intelligence and team building. Today we talk about psychological safety in groups, at work and in society. We learn about creating environments where individuals feel safe to take risks, make mistakes and speak honestly and critically to each other without becoming defensive. We talk about the idea of taking responsibility for how we feel instead of blaming others. We also examine the cultural differences between Western and Chinese cultures on communication styles, power dynamics and the perception of directness. We touch on concepts such as the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world and stages of team development (forming, storming, norming, performing). In an increasingly complicated world we talk about the challenges of sensitivity to feedback, accountability, culture, trust, honesty, and productive communication. _____________________ Connect with Tilman | www.8c-consulting.com _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Justin Hourn is the head coach and co-founder of Refuge Martial Arts. He is a BJJ black belt, former Australian national wrestling team athlete, international kickboxer, Tedx speaker and youth health & fitness speaker. Today we talk about fitness trends, wellness, purpose and overcoming adversity. We talk about purposely not preparing for things so we can react genuinely in the moment. We talk about keeping fit as we age and the shift from intense workouts like CrossFit to a focus on low-impact exercises and overall wellness and longevity. We also talk about Justin's journey to China growing up in one of Australia's most dangerous towns, being raised by a single mom, and protecting against an absent father. We talk about the importance of role models and community on physical and mental well-being, especially during childhood. Stay connected with "Coach Justin" on social media _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Today we talk about the “3 Body Problem”, AI and finding jobs. We talk about the controversy over the Western adaptation of the show from the original Chinese science fiction novel “The Three-Body Problem” and where the limits might be for cultural appropriation. The conversation shifts to the topic of AI and we debate how much we should really think about it in our daily lives. We also talk about job hunting and share stories from some of our early jobs and the lessons we learned doing them...if we learned anything at all. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
King Kwesi is a vlogger, street interviewer and English teacher from Ghana, living in China. His YouTube Channel documents his experiences as an African interacting in Chinese society. Today we talk about his background from Ghana, growing up in a polygamous family, and his experience living in China as an African. We talk about why he started the YouTube channel, his perspective on China’s development and how he feels about certain comments and attacks he gets for his videos. We discuss Africa and China’s presence in Africa as we hear his thoughts on benefits, exploitation, colonialization and debt. We talk about the perception of Africa and China in Western media and films. We talk about cultural unity and diversity and his experiences with racism, prejudice and how we measure our own quality of life. We also talk about why he chooses to remain in China, whats difficult about it, and why he hopes his channel can foster more understanding. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Andrea Fenn is an award-winning digital strategist and the CEO of Adiacent, a global digital transformation company. He was a founding member of the APAC social media team at Ogilvy, a researcher of Chinese social media at Leiden University, and a former journalist for CNN and China Daily. He has lived 18 years in China working with the country’s evolving digital landscape. Today we talk about the birth and rise of China’s digital age. We talk about when the first Western social media platforms were blocked, how China leapfrogged traditional technologies, and why Chinese society was so quick to embrace the digital world. We talk about social media’s impact on the health and development of children, and debate the merits of government intervention. We discuss China’s approach to regulating the digital economy, breaking up tech giants, and moderating consumerism as we explore the rationale behind its policies, the trade-offs, and the challenges on its unique development path in a digital world. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Dylan Briley is the Head Chef at Crush, former Sous Chef at Mr & Mrs Bund, and former chef at Goga in Shanghai. He is also an artist, culinary consultant and DJ. Today we talk about digital addiction, self-hate and his experiences working in the restaurant industry, both in the US and China. He recounts a pivotal moment when he had a heart attack while working at a restaurant in Shanghai and shares a story of the time he ruined a steak for an American President. We discuss the challenges he faced adapting to the different management styles and cultural norms in Chinese kitchens, being the most hated person in the room, as well as the stress and self-doubt he experienced early in his career in China. Dylan reflects on the importance of finding balance, being true to oneself, and embracing opportunities for personal growth. Bon Appétit. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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 the Global Partner of Lumina Learning. Today we explore the Lumina Spark personality assessment which measures your various personality traits and qualities. We talk about the concept of paradox in personality, where individuals can exhibit seemingly contradictory traits in different situations. We talk about the importance of empathy and its role in leadership, communication and relationships. We also get into the spectrum of accommodating versus tough personalities and how it affects conflict resolution, the value of diversity in teams and the tendency to hire people who are similar to yourself. We talk about nature vs nurture and its influence on our social development, the benefits of self-awareness to improve personal and professional relationships, and how we can get out of the box and avoid being trapped in our assumed personalities. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
James Hsu is an entrepreneur, podcaster and advisor. He helps people through the mental and emotional side of entrepreneurship and on the topic of authenticity. Today we talk about the struggle to be ourselves and pretending to be someone we're not, both in social situations and at work. We talk about how we are affected by politics and news. We talk about why James decided he can't work in large companies anymore, and some difficult lessons about people and relationships he's learned being an entrepreneur. We also talk about how our Asian self-identity has changed since living in China compared to our peers in America and Canada. _____________________ https://www.journeytotheeast.club/ _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Dawn Wong is a Stand-Up Comedian in Shanghai. Today we talk about stand-up comedy in China. We discuss censorship, cancel culture and the differences between doing comedy for Chinese and Western audiences. We talk about gender equality, her influences growing up, and her thoughts on Asian men’s taste in women and porn. We also talk about how female comedians are perceived in China vs the West, cultural differences in humor, and how Chinese crowds react when you "bomb". _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
Richard Brubaker is the Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, Adjunct Professor of Sustainability and Social Innovation, Founder of Collective Responsibility and host of the Sustainable Ambassador and Mission Driven podcasts. Today we talk about the state of the world through the lens of sustainability. We get into climate, urbanization, food security, water, energy and the truth about recycling. We talk about divisive opinions on climate change. We talk about sustaining modern life, growing cities, demographic changes and why China has been the best place to understand, apply and experiment with innovations in sustainability. We also discuss all the progress made, the challenges ahead and why we should focus on solving one problem at a time. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ Join Us On WeChat: THD_Official 小红书: THD The Honest Drink Find us on: Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.