What happens when you take a pause from optimizing hydrogen energy systems to cross the country on a bicycle with zero planning? 🚴‍♂️💨

We are broadcasting from the VP Center of Clean Energy at Tsinghua University to take a break from the daily grind with Maximilian Arras. Max is wrapping up his PhD in Power Engineering, but outside the lab, he actively avoids a "one-dimensional life" through over-the-board chess and extreme endurance sports.

We dive into the stark contrast between the intense academic bubble and the freedom of the open road across two epic bike rides. From packing just 8kg of gear and winging an 800km ride to Qingdao, to taking on a massive 1,300km cross-country route from Xi'an to Chongqing—where Max survived a freezing three-hour climb in the Qinling Mountains. We also look back at an unforgettable overnight stay at a rural section of the Great Wall, and Max shares the humbling reality of running the Seoul Marathon and Xiamen Triathlon alongside his naturally talented partner, Rosie. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

If you’ve ever felt entirely defined by your degree or job title, this episode is your sign to step out and find your own dimension.

Listen to the full conversation now!

Episode Timestamps

• 0:00 – Introduction: Broadcasting from Tsinghua University in Beijing and breaking down the Tan Lah philosophy.
• 2:15 – Beyond the PhD Bubble: How a hydrogen energy researcher finds mental balance through competitive over-the-board chess.
• 5:30 – The East Coast Expedition (Beijing to Qingdao): Packing minimal luggage (8kg) and trusting the process on an unplanned 800km multi-day ride to the coast.
• 10:45 – Conquering the Pass (Xi'an to Chongqing): Tackling the massive elevation of the Qinling Mountains, battling freezing rain for three hours, and experiencing the kindness of strangers on the road.
• 13:54 – A Night on the Great Wall: Reminiscing about winter jackets, freezing temperatures, and an unforgettable overnight hangout at a rural section of the wall.
• 14:43 – Racing with Rosie: Conquering the Seoul Marathon and Xiamen Triathlon, and the funny, humbling dynamic of racing alongside a naturally athletic partner who makes it look effortless.
• 18:30 – The Takeaway: Max's ultimate advice for anyone feeling trapped in the daily grind: do not live a one-dimensional life.

Alice Ho is a dedicated climate advocate and a relentless force at UN climate conferences.

Why does global climate action feel so slow, yet so urgent? We’re facing massive environmental threats, international policies are incredibly complicated, and attending giant conferences can feel overwhelming yet advocates keep showing up. Maybe the fight for our future gets more effective when you find your exact niche instead of trying to carry the weight of the whole world. So how do you maintain your passion, avoid burnout, and actually drive progress year after year?

Expect to learn what it’s really like on the ground at COP30, how the global climate conversation has shifted since our last summit, the actual achievements that are born when countries finally come together, how Alice carved out her specific role in the movement, the power of learning programs within her organization, how emerging technologies are completely reshaping climate solutions, the secret to staying consistent in advocacy, and much more…

MJ(Man Jing) Kong is a science communicator, content creator, and the mind behind the wildly popular educational channel @justkeepthinking.

Why is science so hard for people to care about? We have all the research, all the facts, and all the experts telling us the planet is in a crisis, yet most people just scroll past it. We leave crucial information stuck inside unread research papers and closed negotiating rooms. Maybe the problem isn't the science itself, but the way we communicate it. So how do you take complex climate data and turn it into engaging, educational content that actually mobilizes millions?

Expect to learn how MJ Kong transitioned from studying environmental biology to building a massive social media presence, why keeping science locked away is failing the climate movement, the exact strategy to communicate effectively to everyday people and funders alike, why doing things in "our own little ways" actually creates the most powerful collective impact, how a love for biodiversity sparked a lifelong mission, and much more…

In this episode, we are joined by Teoh Lexuan and Low Yeen Yuan (also our good friends), together with your host, Tan Yin Yi (Henry)! They share their journey from the experiences of national badminton to navigating life as young professionals and entrepreneurs. They reflect on their transition into the "real world" and give us a peek into how discipline, hometown values, and side passions have shaped who they are today.

• Hometown vs. KL Life
• Future Plans: Business & Side Quests
• Life Outside the Court

A huge thank you to Wawafish (@wawafishkl) for being our venue sponsor! Located at Petaling Street (same row as DaBao), it is the perfect spot for food and drinks in the city centre.

Follow our guests on Instagram:

• Teoh Lexuan: @teohlexuan
• Low Yeen Yuan: @yeenyuanlow

In this episode, we are joined by Dhurgesswaran Veeran (also our good friend), together with our co-host of this episode and also our friend, Chong Zhi Xiang! He shares his journey from serving in the government to returning to his roots in law, reflects on his Chinese-school background, and gives us a peek into how language, culture, and a passion for change have shaped who he is today.

• From government officer back to law as his professions
• SMJK (Chinese-school) experience & cultural takeaways 
• Language, culture, and understanding

In the very first episode, we are joined by Bryan Choo as our special guest(also our good friends) and our usual Friday night friends Zi Yuan! He shares how he's been teaching part-time while still pursuing his studies, gives us a view into his high school life, talks about his unique interests and hobbies like tennis and Formula 1, and opens up about his family's vegetarian business, which has been part of his life since he born.

• Teaching while still studying
• High school life experiences
• Hobbies and interests (Tennis, F1) 
• Growing up in a family that run vegetarian business