The Honest Drink Podcast

Cyrus Janssen is a YouTuber and speaker on China and the world.  Today we talk about countering fear-driven narratives about other countries, being a "global citizen", and its impact on how we engage or disengage with the rest of the world.  We also talk about Chinese brands in America, as cost-of-living pressures rise and US domestic polarization and war continues.  Cyrus also describes how he was recently offered $10,000 US dollars to lie to his viewers, and how the money was ultimately traced back to perhaps the most recognizable AI company in the world.  

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Julie Sun is a brand marketer and content creator who creates English content on Instagram and TikTok as, "Julie your China friend", explaining Chinese culture and dating to foreigners.  Having worked in international marketing across the world, her sociological research has brought her traveling to over 30 countries, often by herself.  Now she uses her voice to introduce modern China to a Western audience, providing an honest perspective on Chinese society, dating and everyday life. 

Today we talk about modern society and the search for our place in it.  We talk about when after receiving countless messages from fore...

Eric Hovagim is an American content creator, industrial engineer and political commentator who, in his own words, "moved to China in late 2025 to escape the American Century of Humiliation".  He's worked in politics in his home state of Arizona and in New York City, producing a handful of videos that helped get Zohran Mamdani elected NYC mayor in 2025.  Recently, Eric has been producing content for popular political commentator, Hasan Piker.  He was also previously part of a climate-policy think tank in the US and an engineer on the Hyperloop team.  Today, we talk about why Eric is here in Chin...

Raffe is the owner of Cantina Agave,  the very first Mexican restaurant in Shanghai.  Today he is joined by some old friends, BT and Dino on the podcast, as we celebrate Cantina's 18th anniversary and the launch of his new restaurant, Vice.  We talk about why he's stayed in Shanghai and discuss the constant pressure to keep up with this unique city, the challenges of running F&B amid unpredictable rules and high turnover, and how the city shifted from "wild east" days to stricter, safer, more equal enforcement.  We compare Shanghai's convenience and safety with rising costs, crime, and...

Daniel Dumbrill is a geopolitical commentator, independent journalist, and entrepreneur.  He is known for his in-depth analysis of China, global politics, media narratives, and the shifting balance of power in an increasingly multipolar world.  His commentary explores US-China relations, international affairs, and how media framing influences public understanding of global events. Daniel is recognized for challenging conventional narratives and encouraging audiences to examine geopolitical issues with a critical and evidence-based approach.  Today we talk about defending China against Western propaganda.  How control of information is influencing global discussion, society, and personal beliefs.  We also talk about life in China, the g...

YI is the owner of fine jewelry brand YI Collection and former stylist for Vogue China.  Today we talk about "love bombing", attraction, sex and the city…literally.  We talk about the differences in what men and women might be attracted to and the games we play when we're in the chase.  We talk about rejection, self-worth, appearance vs personality, and judging faces.  YI shares her mindset after leaving a relationship of eight years, her views on independence, loneliness, monogamy, white expat men, and dating strategies like negging and acting dumb. We discuss ethnicity and identity as Chinese-Americans, changing beauty...

Dr. Steve Vinay Gunther is a renowned Australian Gestalt psychotherapist and founder of the acclaimed Northern Rivers Gestalt Institute in Australia.  He is also the author of the bestselling book "The Woman In Your Life - A Man's Guide to a Happy Relationship".  He has been in practice for over 40 years with an accomplished career in psychology, working with individuals, couples and families from all over the world. 

Today, Dr. Gunther shares why his focus shifted to China and we get into a deep conversation about relationships.  We talk about what prevents us from sustaining healthy relationships and...

Matt Chen is a Chinese American entrepreneur, social media content creator, and builder of Daily Hanzi, an app helping people learn to read Chinese.  Currently at 24 years old he's decided to ditch his aerospace engineering degree and restart his life by moving to China.  Focused on bridging East and West through content about language, culture and identity he hopes to reconnect with his Asian heritage while improving his own Chinese literacy, finding a different path for himself in a new world.  Today, we talk about Matt's experience growing up in the US as an ABC and compare it to our...

We are joined by friends of the show Charles Zeng, owner of Charlie's Burger, and James Wu visiting from the U.S.  Today we debate the pros and cons of having kids or not.  James shares his reasoning on his and his wife's decision not to have kids.  We talk about societal pressures, its impact on marriage and our thoughts on using physical force when it comes to disciplining our kids.  We talk about chasing happiness, comparing kids to chocolate, and our biggest fears when it comes to growing old.  We talk about the midlife crisis, aging and managing anger...

Today we welcome in the new year as we film a special episode facing the camera.  We play "agree or disagree" and discuss several relatable topics, from the effectiveness of New Year's resolutions to whether romance is dying.  We also rank our worst personal habits to leave behind from the past year.  This episode is packed with introspection, light-hearted debates, and a drive to live better in 2026.  

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Rico Zhang is a Chinese-Australian Director known for his technical filmmaking, award-winning music videos and bold aesthetic world-building.  His most recent project was Dongji Rescue 东极岛 (2025), a film based on the true story of Chinese fisherman from Dongji Island who risked their lives to rescue over 300 British POWs after a Japanese transport ship was torpedoed by the U.S. Navy in WWII.  Today Rico shares the challenges working on Dongji Rescue, finding cultural identity in his filmmaking in China and the West, and we discuss the complexities of being an ABC in today's world.  We talk about the impact of cultural...

In this special episode, the hosts delve into the theme of rushing through life and reflect on their personal experiences with close friendships. They discuss the difficulty of savoring moments, and the significance of 'Irish goodbyes'.  The conversation centers around Aric's impending move to California, exploring the emotional and practical implications for their friendship and the future of the podcast. They also touch on the broader societal impacts of AI and their evolving perspectives. Despite the impending changes, the hosts affirm their commitment to their deep-rooted friendship and the continuation of the podcast.

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Today's conversation takes a deep dive into the paranormal, exploring Tilman's fascination with near death experiences, reincarnation, shared death experiences, and the time between lives. Tilman shares compelling stories and accounts, including documented cases of miraculous healings and children's memories of past lives. The discussion also touches on the transformative impact of these experiences, the concept of a higher power, and the importance of living authentically and without fear. This episode is a captivating exploration of the unknown and the unexplained.  Tilman Rieger is the founder of 8C Consulting, focused on conflict management, interpersonal and nonviolent communication.

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c.j. Ng is a sales, leadership, and experiential learning coach.  He has helped companies ranging from Google, Volvo to Swarovski.  Today we talk about the often-overlooked skill of sales, not just as a career, but as a life-altering tool. We explore the nuances of effective communication, the need for empathy, and the fine line between influence and manipulation. We also discuss the challenges of giving and receiving feedback in professional environments, particularly in Asian cultures.  We discuss if it's better to give feedback anonymously or not.  Whether you're in sales or another industry, c.j. emphasizes the importance of l...

Dr. George Hu, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist from the United States.  He is currently the Director of Counseling, Wellness, Disability, and Accommodation at Duke Kunshan University, and the President of the Shanghai International Mental Health Association.  Previously, he was the Department Chair of Mental Health at Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital.  Today, we discuss modern emotional and mental health challenges including social awkwardness, emotion regulation and fear.  We talk about the cognitive impacts of technology and AI, societal shifts in the perception of masculinity, the importance of self-reflection, and the broader existential anxieties that shape our current age...

Cyrus Janssen is a YouTuber, speaker and self-proclaimed US-China ambassador.  He returns to discuss his experiences and observations on the evolving relationship between China and the US, from ground level.  Today we talk about cultural exchange, economic challenges and its impact on both Chinese and American society.  We talk about the recent trend of travel vloggers and YouTubers coming to China, the rise of Chinese soft power from Wukong, Deepseek to Labubu, and its effect on American youth.  We also talk about the potential of US and China working more closely together, tariffs and societal values.

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Arthur Jones is a British documentary filmmaker and co-host of the "飞天胡说" podcast.  He directed "The Six" (六人), a documentary about the untold story of the six Chinese survivors onboard the Titanic.  Executive produced by James Cameron, the film explores an extraordinary story of survival and dignity in the face of racism and anti-immigration policy.  Today we talk to Arthur about his film "The Six" as we dive into broader themes of identity, heritage, trauma, resilience and exclusion.  

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Ron Lee is an award-winning creative technologist and VP, head of growth at Monks, a digital-first marketing, technology services and consulting company.  He is a technical expert in the fields of digital interaction, game experience, connected retail, and integrated design.  As an industry opinion leader, Ron has been invited by media and top industry conferences to share insights on AI, future brand experience and interactive technology.  His work includes complex tech projects for clients such as, Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, Amazon, Nike, Adidas just to name a few.  Today we talk about the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impa...

Lily Lam is a content creator and designer based in New York City.  She creates content that speaks to underrepresented voices and is an influencer within the world of Magic: The Gathering.  Today, we talk about gentrification in New York's Chinatown, cultural identity as Chinese-Americans, and the recent rise of Chinese soft power.  Lily shares her thoughts on deep systemic problems in America and we discuss how American perceptions of China are shaped and how they're now changing.  We talk about Lily's personal transgender experience, transitioning, its impact on her family, and finding inner peace in a new, yet fami...

Jason Oakley is a renowned Chef who has spent his career working in multiple Michelin star restaurants and 5 star hotels around the world, including the Mandarin Oriental, St Regis, Peninsula, Wynn Las Vegas, the French Laundry and 3 on the Bund just to name a few.  Having spent a career serving upscale fine dining patrons, he now pursues his real passion with Sub Standard, a humble neighborhood sandwich store making some of Shanghai's most popular sandwiches, keeping it casual, accessible and unpretentious.  Sub Standard frequently tops the charts for most repeat customers on China's biggest food delivery apps.  Today we tal...

Amy Fu and John Kuo are old friends of the show.  In this episode we do a lot of drinking and explore Amy's transformative experience living a minimalist life in a van and how it reshaped her values and outlook.  Amy shares her experiences of breaking away from societal norms, quitting her job, and being disowned by her tiger parents.  The discussion covers the challenges and rewards of living on the road, cultural pressures of urban living, and connecting with nature.  Through shared anecdotes and philosophical reflections, this episode explores the intrinsic human need for simplicity, community, and self-reflection.

Matt Galat (加油马特) is a vlogger, global traveler, and filmmaker.  He is best known for his video channel JaYoe Nation and his newer YouTube channel Nuance, where he continues to explore East-West topics while traveling.  Tice Kralt is a bicycle tourer turned web developer, currently working remotely as a full-stack engineer in Taiwan.  Today we talk about life in transit, adjusting to America's suburban lifestyle, and returning to China's dynamic urban cities.  Matt and Tice share the energy they feel rediscovering China again and how it compares elsewhere.  We also talk "van life", gun violence, and we compare experiences on social issues...

Cameron Johnson returns to talk about the current US trade war, tariffs, and the new world order.   Cameron Johnson is an expert in supply chains, manufacturing, and technology. He is frequently sought out for his expertise on US-China trade and supply chain issues, and is a delegate to Washington DC where he advises US politicians and officials. He is also a professor at New York University and former Vice-Chair of the board at the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. He is a senior partner at Tidalwave Solutions with clients in various high technology sectors and he has been quoted b...

Anna Yang is an award-winning advertising creative.  She has been named one of the Top 30 creatives in China by Campaign Brief.  She is also the youngest ever delegate to have represented China and won gold at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.  In this episode, we engage in a chaotic and diverse conversation about chaos theory, gravity, and Anna's eviction and attack in New York.  We talk about the philosophical nature of math, whether anything is truly random in life, and how we are all modern day cyborgs.  The discussion then delves deeply into the cultural and biological significance of bl...

Cameron Johnson is an expert in supply chains, manufacturing, and technology.  He is frequently sought out for his expertise on US-China trade and supply chain issues, and is a delegate to Washington DC where he advises US politicians and officials.  He is also a professor at New York University and former Vice-Chair of the board at the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.  He is a senior partner at Tidalwave Solutions with clients in various high technology sectors and he has been quoted by both American and Chinese news outlets alike.  His work helping US buyers source personal protective equip...

Frank Tsai is the largest organizer of public lectures in Shanghai.  He is the founder of China Crossroads, hosting public talks on "China and the World" where he invites senior figures in academia, politics, business and foreign affairs.  He formerly worked at The Economist, and Control Risks, the top global risk consultancy.  He is an American with a background teaching geopolitical risk analysis and international media.  Today we talk passionately about a wide range of topics, including societal biases towards extroverts, the evolving socio-political landscape in China, and U.S. President Donald Trump.  We talk about cycles of tightening and o...

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 economic struggles 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...

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...

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 wo...

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 marria...

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 l...

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, the...

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 rhet...

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 Olympi...

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 exper...

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...

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 mode...

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 Chine...

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 co...

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 Au...