China Chat

Jiajia and Chris help Lao Zhan prepare rice dumplings for the Spring Festival and JiaJia shares on family dynamics. 

Jiajia gets a new haircut, more about Jimmy O., and Jiajia runs a marathon practicing for the upcoming horse dance!

Jiajia and Chris talk about growing up in the Age of Television, the similarities between radio and podcasting, Jimmy O., and the lingering aroma of snail noodles that still permeates the house.

Jiajia and Chris talk about whether there are actual snails in snail noodles, the history and ingredients as well as the do’s and don’ts of preparation. They also slowly look into the cultural symbolism of the mighty and often underrated river snail. 

In honor of the upcoming Spring Festival, Jiajia and Chris go on a shoe buying spree and Jiajia explains how to tackle Chinese yams without getting itchy hands.

Jiajia shares his method for keeping his feet warm and moisturized. We also give a list of the events running up to Spring Festival, starting with the delicious Laba Festival. 

Jiajia and Chris decide to try recording the show in their car, Lao Zhan gets two new hats and a big bag of rice and trees are trimmed. 

Jiajia and Chris give a plant update, praise the virtues of sunshine for health and attitude and talk about ghosts and being afraid of the dark. 

Spring Festival is coming a month later than Chris expected, JiaJia’s sister thinks the rice isn’t bright enough, and Jiajia gets deep about mushrooms and fish. 

Jiajia and Chris swill down coffee and get ready to head back to Yangjia for another day of clicking tiles and smack talk. Family fun has begun and it’s not even Spring Festival yet!