The Maple Dragon Podcast

In this episode Mark Robson reflects on the differences he has felt among Chinese youth today as compared to those he taught about a decade ago. Although the differences are nuanced they speak volumes about where modern-day China is headed

With winter now having set in and evening classes in full flow, Professor Mark Robson notices how the current generation of Chinese students are more inquisitive about Western culture and holidays than students from about a decade ago. This leads to an experiment in class with some surprising results...

The university has organised a culture festival and Mark Robson gets roped in to represent his country Canada. On the day of the festival, however, Mark discovers countries and cultures that he had seldom heard of - neither in Toronto nor in the Western media.

In what is the last ride of the season before winter sets in, Mark Robson finds himself travelling with a cycling group to an island just off the mainland. Along the way Mark finds little treasures and experiences that compel him to plan the next journey as soon as the new season arrives.

In this episode Mark Robson finds himself enjoying the privilege of being in Yantai's gorgeous apple orchards around harvest time. Although the trip is arranged by a colleague from the university but it is a learning experience in ancient Chinese agricultural techniques and how Yantai's red apples have become globally renowned

Mark Robson continues his conversation with researcher and social commentator Fernando Munoz Bernal about the Chinese region of Xinjiang. This time the discussion focuses on misreporting by mainstream Western news media and cautions against relying on sensationalist media accounts of the situation. 

In this episode Mark Robson welcomes researcher and social commentator Fernando Munoz Bernal to discuss what is happening in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. The discussion uncovers a reality that is wholly different from the one depicted in mainstream Western media

Join Mark Robson on his return to China, where he settles into the enchanting city of Yantai. Some things are the same, like the hospitality, warmth and kindness. But after three years away Mark has returned to a society that has gone cashless.

The demonisation of the Chinese in Western discourse is often because we demonise what we don't understand. From history and society to logic and reason, the Chinese way of life and doing things is not just different but also has its own rationale that is bedded in thousands of years of culture.

Join a very excited Mark Robson as he shares news of returning to China after three years, once again to teach. This time Mark's journey is taking him to Yantai, a coastal city on the East China Sea. Mark already has fond memories of Nanjing and Jinan, what will Yantai have in store?