Digest

This episode features Donnie, also known as the "Wonton Don," detailing his unconventional path to Barstool Sports. He began by teaching English in China, where unique experiences and friendships inspired him to create content. His early videos, including those from a Shanghai Sharks game and impersonations, gained traction on Barstool. Donnie discusses his "Donnie Does China" series, viral moments like impersonating Roger Federer, and his "Susie" business selling custom team-branded jackets. He recounts his Barstool Idol experience, which led to a job offer, and his subsequent return to China as Barstool's foreign correspondent. The conversation delves into the challenges of China's "Zero COVID" policy, his return to the US, and his current life in Chicago, balancing family with sponsored travel. Donnie shares extensive travel stories, highlighting hidden gems like Medellin and the Dolomites, while also recounting difficult experiences in Moscow, India, and challenging accommodations. He touches on travel dangers, places he avoids like North Korea, and reflects on content creation and Barstool's evolution.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Barstool Journey

The episode kicks off with a sponsor message for Celeblu Coffee's Golden Mug promotion, offering a chance to win tickets to the Men's College Basketball National Championship. The main guest, Donnie, known as the "Wonton Don," joins to discuss his journey to Barstool, starting with his decision to teach English in China after college.

00:01:42

Early Content Creation in China

Donnie shares his initial experiences in Guangzhou, China, detailing how he overcame loneliness through new friendships and began creating content inspired by his surroundings. His early videos, including one about teaching English and another from a Shanghai Sharks game, started gaining attention on Barstool.

00:10:35

Viral Success and Business Ventures

Donnie elaborates on his "Donnie Does China" series and highlights viral videos like impersonating Roger Federer and sneaking into a Pacquiao fight. He also introduces his "Susie" business, creating custom team-branded suit jackets, and discusses obtaining licensing from Clemson University to legitimize the venture.

00:19:01

Barstool Idol and International Relocation

Donnie recounts facing legal issues in Clemson, leading to community service, and his application for Barstool Idol. His existing content impressed the Barstool team during the competition, resulting in an immediate job offer. He then moved back to China as Barstool's foreign correspondent.

00:24:40

COVID-19 Impact and China's Policies

The conversation shifts to the onset of COVID-19 in China, Donnie's decision to return to the US, and his observations of China's "Zero COVID" policy, including strict lockdowns in Wuhan and Shanghai. He notes the significant exodus from Shanghai after the Omicron wave and the subsequent stricter regulations for foreigners upon his return in 2023.

00:28:58

Shifting Relations and Current Life

The discussion touches on how US-China relations may have influenced China's policies towards foreigners. Donnie shares his current life in Chicago, focusing on family and shifting towards sponsored travel opportunities.

00:31:29

Global Travel Experiences: Highlights and Lowlights

Donnie estimates visiting over 50 countries and shares his desire to visit Peru and Mongolia. He praises the Balkans as a beautiful region and Medellin, Colombia, as a hidden gem. Conversely, he found Moscow and India disappointing and recounts challenging airport experiences, particularly in Mumbai.

00:41:31

Difficult Accommodations and Culinary Adventures

Donnie details his worst sleeping conditions, including a crowded bus in Mexico and cramped quarters in Hong Kong's Chungking Mansions. He also shares experiences with unusual foods like Balut and starfish, and recounts a severe E. coli infection from a burger in the Philippines.

00:52:17

Travel Dangers and Avoided Destinations

Donnie recounts close calls abroad, including contracting E. coli, a near-miss with a rope swing, and encounters with police in China. He also mentions being robbed in Mexico and a sketchy experience in the Dominican Republic. He explains why North Korea is off his list due to the Otto Warmbier incident and discusses potential risks in Ukraine.

00:56:28

Travel Recommendations and Content Reflection

Donnie recommends Medellin, Colombia, and the Dolomites in Italy as hidden gems. He and the host reflect on the evolution of content creation, Barstool's growth, and the enduring appeal of revisiting past stories.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did Donnie get his start creating content for Barstool?

  Donnie began creating content after moving to China to teach English. His early videos, documenting his experiences and playing a character called "Donnie Does China," gained traction on Barstool's platforms, leading to further opportunities.

• What was the "Susie" business, and how did it evolve?

  The "Susie" business involved creating custom suit jackets branded with sports team logos and colors. Donnie initially made them without licensing but later obtained official licenses from universities like Clemson to legitimize the venture.

• What were some of the challenges Donnie faced during China's "Zero COVID" policy?

  During strict lockdowns, Donnie's friend in Shanghai was confined to his apartment for 60 days, only allowed out for COVID tests. Obtaining food was difficult, requiring advance planning, and many residents eventually left the city.

• What are some of Donnie's recommended "hidden gem" travel destinations?

  Donnie recommends Medellin, Colombia, for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, and the Dolomites in Italy for their breathtaking mountains and skiing opportunities, suggesting they are often overlooked compared to more popular European destinations.

• What was one of Donnie's most challenging travel experiences related to food or accommodation?

  Donnie experienced severe E. coli poisoning from a burger in the Philippines and found the living conditions in Hong Kong's Chungking Mansions to be extremely cramped and difficult. He also described eating Balut, a half-developed duck embryo, as a disturbing culinary experience.

• Why did Donnie rule out North Korea as a content creation destination?

  The case of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who died after being imprisoned in North Korea for allegedly stealing a poster, made Donnie reconsider the risks and ethical implications of creating content that might inadvertently support or legitimize the regime.

Show Notes