The Bridge

As the resident stegosaurus, John knows his limitations when it comes to certain cultural markers, (like reality shows) and brings Super Producer Cimcie to the conversation with Liu Yan about the ramp up of reality programs. Cimcie and Liu Yan have an in-depth conversation about the allure of these shows, the ones they connect with and what the long-term effects are from immersing ourselves in produced reality as opposed to the reality we face in life.

First things first-right out of the gate John & BeiBei have a discussion about how masks might have been marketed better, as John has opted to wear a Batman mask for the most part during Cyrus The Virus-which has created some interesting interactions over the past year. BeiBei brings up the concept of cause and effect, the idea that what goes around, comes around. Finally, they compare notes on how the first ten years of their lives, viewed from different cultural and age differences, have shaped how they see the world.

She's been keeping her nose underwater for decades as an award-winning filmmaker and producer, and celebrated author, as well as teaching hundreds of young people how to respect the ocean and its inhabitants. Annie Crawley is now a contributor to The Bridge, and joins John & BeiBei to discuss life beneath the surface, and how we can each contribute to more sustainable practices to ensure a healthy aqua environment.

Right from the start, BeiBei suggests that while she really enjoys working with John 7,000 miles apart, she can imagine a scenario when the two of them might be at a bar somewhere-having conversation that would be even more impactful. BeiBei then offers up some concepts and ideas when it comes to how people see the world, the difficulty humans have in discerning what reality is, and a few steps that might be taken, to make the world a better place.

Are we living in a time warp? John, BeiBei and Cimcie are in agreement that the speed of life is ever increasing, and that time seems to be growing shorter, as we are inundated with information and expectation in the 21st century. BeiBei shares the concept that children should have un-structured time for positive growth, but they are so often scheduled much like an adult. Then the talk turns to the impending April Fool's Day, and John shares some of his more...uh...interesting tricks from back in his youth and BeiBei is introduced to the historic "Whoopee Cushion." Cimcie adds her thoughts about The Magic Castle in LA, an exclusive, private club for those who are interested in a combo of magic, dinner and theater. Finally, a much more serious tone, as John suggests that one of the big challenges faced by humans, is our inability to discern reality, as it pertains to produced reality for supposed entertainment, and the reality of everyday life. 

Music is the universal language and the phone lines are back open. There are requests for Bruce Springsteen and Elvis, Heyang adds her favorites including a song from the iconic movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon featuring Coco Lee and Yo-Yo Ma as well as music from Simon & Garfunkel. John drops the needle on songs from Colin Hay, Flogging Molly and John Denver.

John opens the show talking about some tech difficulties with his now ancient phone, and shares some of the life metaphors that came along with clearing out three years of text messages. Batman enters the conversation, as John's favorite superhero, and Liu Yan adds some of his perspectives on the importance of making room in our lives for those things that are often larger than life. Finally, they discuss the many influences in life that can make the world a bit of a better place, and John recalls a significant conversation with the legendary broadcaster (and first ever guest on The Bridge) Bill Kurtis.

This episode of The Bridge is a rousing conversation focused on the one constant in life, change. John shares some of his experiences speaking in prisons, and how each of us live a life that reflects our decisions and Liu Yan talks about his experiences as a broadcaster, the concept that you never know who is listening, and what sort of positive ripple effect can be set in motion from being behind the microphone.

Chris Martin began his career at CBS News where he produced primetime documentaries. He ultimately became a producer at the venerated news magazine program 60 Minutes and was one of the youngest producers in the history of the program, working primarily with legendary journalist Dan Rather. Chris and John crossed paths at The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Dr. Oz Show, and now Chris is one of the most sought-after consultants in media communications. He joins John and BeiBei to talk about the importance conscious communications in the 21st century.

Starting out, BeiBei is surprised that she's already having to do bug battle with mosquitos so early in the season. Then in a positive direction, John & BeiBei talk about some of the common threads that keep the world turning. John points out that there is great power in the concept of The Bridge, as it pertains to the fact that he's never actually met any of his cohosts in Beijing, but the connection is like that of next-door neighbors. The conversation shifts a bit as John shares three of his biggest pet peeves, and BeiBei talks about her ongoing struggle to figure out directions without the aid of cell phone technology. Finally, it's a walk down memory lane for John, as he recalls life growing up in the 60s and 70s in Chicago, and BeiBei talks about how different it is for kids growing up in Beijing in the 21st century.