China in the 1930s was a precarious place for Americans. My guest Elinor Christiansen M.D. was born into it.  Join us as she shares beach trips under the great wall, dangerous diseases, importing the first toilet to China, and escaping the Japanese invasion! She was born in Peking (Beijing) to Lois Pendleton Todd, M.D., the first woman surgeon in China and Oliver Todd, the lead engineer harnessing the yellow river. Elinor is the author of "Woman Surgeon of China".

Grape wine is popular all over the western world, but traditionally the far east hasn't included wine as part of their culture. Join me and my guest Vivi, a Chinese citizen and wine importer, as we discuss the cultural challenges of running her business. If you are looking for a laid back conversation this ones for you!

What is normal in China is not normal everywhere else. Join me and my guest Blakely LeMasters (my wife) as we tell some of our craziest and most interesting stories about China, like being followed across the country for 20 hours straight. If you are looking for something a little more laid back and fun, this one is for you!

Hong Kong has a long history of being controlled by outside forces. China is now continuing that tradition by stopping Hong Kong's independence. This week we talk about the controversial Hong Kong National Party, President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, and China's plans to indebt half the world. If you need an update on what's happening in China this one is for you!

People love to compare different governments to George Orwell's famous book "1984". But few governments are actually similar. Join me and my guest, an anonymous Chinese citizen who thinks the themes of this book are real life. You will be surprised how similar the book and modern-day China actually are!

China is revered as having the most intense school system in the world. But is it really as great as we are told? Join me and my guest, an anonymous Chinese academic, as we discuss the difficulties, strengths, and facades of growing up inside that system. Pre-school through university. Let's look behind the veil together!

Every country has unique ideas about what a beautiful person looks like. Join me and my guest Jackie ####, a Chinese citizen who's worked as an executive in the Chinese cosmetic industry for the last twelve years. We discuss what Chinese people think is beautiful, and it's nothing like the west. If you are interested in body image or cultural differences, this episode is for you!

Christianity is not part of Chinese culture. And the rules on what faiths are allowed in China seem to be constantly changing. Join me and my guest (an anonymous Chinese Christian from Shanghai) as we discuss faith, government pressure, struggle, and joy in one of the worlds most faith intolerant countries. Some of the details will surprise you! If you are interested in human rights, religion in general, liberty, or Christianity, this episode is for you. 

Everybody loves dogs! Chinese citizens are no exception. Join me as I document newly enforced dog ownership laws that have resulted in dogs being burned, beaten, confiscated, and killed all over China. If you are in need of some culture shock this episode's for you!

So good we had to break it into two parts! Teaching english abroad can be the best opportunity to travel while getting paid. Sean Cunnion an American teaching english in China joins me to discuss everything you need to know about the job. We cover everything from visas, scams, the students, and even finding an apartment. If you are thinking about teaching english this is the podcast for you!