The Bridge

Heyang opens the show with the concept of the "996" (9 a.m.-9 p.m. 6 days a week) work schedule, that is the norm in China tech business. John counters with how over time, the average work hours in the USA have dropped from 75 hours a week in the 19th century, to an average of 35 hours per week, and how changes in industry and technology have become a slippery slope. Both of them wonder if all the extra screen time in the tech world is upping productivity. The conversation turns to work ethic, the importance of leadership and how essential it is to make sure employees are well taken care of, no matter what business they might be employed in.

In the ongoing attempt to get out of the headlines, and into the life lines, BeiBei and John discuss some "good news" to offset the erosion of "bad news." Researchers in Israel have tested a promising nasal spray to battle Covid, vaccines are on the increase, the effects of the virus are on the decrease, but they also have a word of caution, that perhaps this coming summer will really be the test of how far we've come when it comes to Cyrus The Virus. BeiBei shares some stories of people selected as "movers" in China, that have made a serious, positive difference in such difficult times. Finally, John and BeiBei discuss the challenge of dealing with sensationalizing by the media and how so much of what we are shown, is out of fear, with little recourse for the viewers.

It's a wide-ranging conversation as Super Producer Cimcie returns to her weekly slot, and the show starts out with Cimcie's intro music (Daft Punk) which leads to John's first concert memory-(Bachman Turner-Overdrive) and the effect that music has on our memories.  Cimcie explains the origins of the name of her favorite band-Nine Inch Nails-and the conversation turns to the name game-how each of our hosts got their names, and the nicknames that followed. Finally, a short convo on celebrities who changed their real name in favor of something more audience friendly.

Delaney Brooklyn is a singer, songwriter and musician from Toronto, ON who plays the guitar, piano, ukulele, trumpet, and bass. She has performed, placed in and won Canada-wide competitions and loves singing for audiences. Delaney has been performing in front of people since she was 3, and hasn’t gotten off the stage since. She has played at the Hard Rock Cafe Toronto, the Western Fair, Stratford Blues & Ribfest, and many more well-known venues. John met Delaney when he was speaking at the TEDX Chatham-Kent event in 2017, and she provided the musical entertainment for the world to hear. One of the new up-and-coming singer/songwriters with an incredible voice and journey, Delaney shares her music and thoughts on The Bridge.

Live streaming e-commerce has become a 1 trillion-dollar business in China, and BeiBei shares some her insights into how a few entrepreneurs have used their electronic platforms to become mega-rich celebrities. Approximately 12 products are presented each hour: 48 per night, and items can sell out in seconds.  Manufacturers pitch the influencers and only an estimated 1 in 10 products is selected. John compares it to The Home Shopping Network in the USA, and the conversation runs across the bridge, back and forth about buying habits of humans, and what the future might hold...perhaps a return to brick-and-mortar stores? John also talks about the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma."

After great conversation and listener feedback, Annie Crawley is back for another episode of The Bridge. BeiBei is very interested in how plastic in the ocean has become a serious problem, and how climate change affects the life support systems of the underwater world. John reminds that while plastic is the effect, the cause is a lack of human awareness and stewardship. Annie shares her experiences from single-handedly producing, shooting, and editing a series of programs taken on the SEAPLEX expedition with Project Kaisei in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Finally, Annie shares a couple of her amazing moments with turtles, and her hope that the next generation will be far more responsible than previous ones, when it comes to protecting the oceans of the world.

This episode of The Bridge starts out with some street level comparisons of Chicago and Beijing, as it pertains to the economic and industrial growth of these two great cities. Eventually the conversation turns to the lowered birth rate in both countries, as predictions were made that indicated higher rates, as a byproduct of the pandemic. John points out some of the factors that went into the USA "Baby Boom" years from 1946-1964, and how those factors are not present today, which might explain the lower rate. Heyang admits she's a bit hesitant to become a mother, as the changes and choices are so demanding, and that other safeguards and support systems need to be in place for young families.

When the first ten minutes of the show is about stationary in all its various forms and designs, you know it's going to be an interesting episode. From there the conversation goes to the things of life that makes us happy. John shares his most recent purchase for his studio collection, a full-size replica mask from the horror classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Heyang shares about the Chinese version of horror stories, which is a bit different than the "monsters" in America. Then it's a shifting of gears that creates a conversation around religious beliefs. John shares about one of his most influential people that he recalls as a major force in his life as a young man. Finally, a much more serious tone takes over as John & Heyang talk about the pros and cons of making a career (and other major changes) during the pandemic.

It was supposed to be a serious show about debt, but it quickly turns into a discussion on how the media influences our choices. John shares his thoughts about a recent ad at the Super Bowl, that featured Bruce Springsteen, in an attempt to "reunite" America, while driving his Jeep, but the 2-minute spot, backfired big time on many levels. Then they discuss the business side of radio, the pros and cons of teeth whitening and more adventures (not dentures) that can easily be tracked in one show.

It's party time! BeiBei has been waiting months to ask Cimcie and John about the American tradition of "partying." Cimce shares her thoughts-that are more in the direction of dancing the night away, John is an old school guy, worked as a bouncer for a few years, and did his share of time at the door of a saloon, as well as sipping a few beverages in his time. Matter of fact, John and Pope Francis have something in common, both BeiBei and Cimcie are surprised at what it is.