The Bridge

Spring is in the air, and so is pollen and a bunch of other stuff, which isn't good for BeiBei. But the conversation turns to conservation, as BeiBei reports on a recent, massive sand storm that turned Beijing orange. Much of the cause is due to deforestation that leads to more desolate landscapes. John points out how humans are often at the cause of such things, citing the water problem in Flint, Michigan that was created by supposed cost-cutting measures that leads to a long-term damage. BeiBei shares of a movement by Ant Financial Services Group, that brings together the internet, finance and low carbon lifestyle, that has planted over a million trees by using an app, instead of using paper and other carbon activities. "Earth Matters with Bill Kurtis" is also featured in this episode.

It's a food fest right out of the gate, as Italian fare is on the table, as well as some of Cimcie, John & BeiBei's favorite "go to foods." Then the conversation turns to some of the more positive ways that Cimcie used to ride out the pandemic, and BeiBei shares her thoughts about the cherry blossoms in Wuhan, and John reminds that perhaps the everyday heroes in life are often overshadowed by those on the big screen.

Tommy Tedesco was the driving force behind The Wrecking Crew, a loose collective of session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for thousands of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including several hundred Top 40 hits. John and Heyang welcome Denny Tedesco, who memorializes his father and many of the other musicians in a documentary that took years and serious financial resources to create. Denny talks about the behind-the-scenes making of the movie, and John gets to play DJ again, dropping the needle on some of the songs that hit the top of the charts, due to the backing of these incredible musicians. "The Lonely Bull," "The Beat Goes On," and "Don't Pull Your Love" are included in the playlist.

This episode is a deep dive behind the scenes of the literary world, as John talks about his route to becoming a best-selling author. Liu Yan shares his thoughts about the power of reading and they find common ground with everything from Stephen King to Lao-Tzu and the great challenge to bring forth a book from concept, to readers around the world.

It's a deep dive into the concept synchronicity and "connecting-a-dots" when it comes to life and career. John shares some of his connecting pieces, and finds out that Liu Yan once upon a time was a bar singer who regularly belted out "Country Roads" which is part of John's path as well. Finally, the conversation turns to the good, the bad and the ugly from the recent Grammy Awards.

The Bridge reaches another milestone with its 200th episode! John & BeiBei share their respective thoughts on the importance of the show, they celebrate their collective efforts with a song or two, and John offers up a listen behind the scenes with a "blooper reel" with outtakes, mistakes and restarts. There's another episode of "Earth Matters with Bill Kurtis" and finally, John & BeiBei conclude that the mission of The Bridge to "bring the world together one conversation at a time" is perhaps far more important than they realize. 

Do you have a life of work or are you creating a work of art? Whitney Freya is a modern-day mystic and an expert in Inspired Living, providing practical tools & practices that free your mind from limitations and scarcity to create more in your life that lights you up from the inside out. She is the author of 30 Days to Unstoppable, and joins John & BeiBei to share her thoughts on creating a life that is far more fulfilling than you might have thought possible. BeiBei has a very engaging conversation about her daughter's talent for art, and how best to nurture her creativity. 

As the major meetings regarding governance and policy are wrapping up in China, BeiBei has done her homework, to explain the process in-depth. John adds his views of the governmental process in the USA, and the differences (and similarities) of the two countries. It's a dive into the deep end of the political pool, without getting political in the process. Finally, it's a nod and tip of the cap to St. Patrick's Day.

Coffee is on the agenda right out of the gate. John admits to downing 4-6 cups to fuel his mornings, BeiBei shares her java journey, and Super Producer Cimcie adds her thoughts starting the day off with coffee as well.  BeiBei gets into the chemistry of ingesting so much coffee, and John is on the hot seat, attempting to explain the eventual dispensing of the liquid. BeiBei also admits she likes to add marshmallows to her morning cup coffee. Thankfully, the gears shift in a different direction as Cimcie recalls that one year ago, Cyrus the Virus began to take hold in the USA, she shares an article that alludes to the mental strain caused by the pandemic. BeiBei weighs in on her experience during the past year, and John offers some perspective as well.

There aren't many places on radio that have a playlist that includes everyone from The Beatles to John Denver to Nine Inch Nails to Juice Newton, Elvis and Van Morrison-just to name a few. It's an "All Request" Music Monday, with our listeners calling in from all over the USA, sharing their favorite music with John & Heyang and the rest of the world. The Bridge-bringing the world together, one song at a time.