The Maple Dragon Podcast

A midnight phone call sets off a chain of events, unraveling the clash between China's tea-loving tradition and the emerging coffee culture. Join Mark Robson on The Maple Dragon Podcast as he navigates mind-boggling last-minute schedule changes and uncovers surprising encounters with instant coffee.

What started as a job opportunity to assist Chinese individuals in moving to other countries took a strange turn as Mark realizes they were presenting him as a world-famous Canadian medical doctor to the Chinese clients.

Through a chance connection, Mark finds himself invited to give a talk to a prestigious Chinese law firm alongside a friend who served as a translator for a former Canadian prime minister. As an expert in forestry, Mark grapples with the responsibility of advising on a topic outside his field.

Mark takes us on a wild ride as he encounters a Chinese-American expat selling an illegal Harley Davidson motorcycle in Nanjing. Despite the enticing offer, Mark grapples with the consequences of getting involved in an underground market under a watchful eye. Later, he embarks on a journey with a respected dean of English, uncovering a world where radar detectors and exceeding speed limits are seemingly accepted.

In this episode Mark Robson argues how reducing China to Communism doesn't capture the many layers of growth in modern China. The country doesn't mirror Cuba's poverty, it is actually a picture of abundance and growth. Its cities are equal to any in the West, the country is investing in public infrastructure that benefits the many and foreign visitors are always received with respect. There might be income disparities but the Chinese people remain rooted to culture and tradition.

In this episode Mark Robson details a heartwarming connection he fostered with a Lisu minority girl. And through her stories he finds an authentic lens into their animist traditions and the influence of Western religions.

In this gripping episode, communication errors lead to awkward situations as Mark Robson realizes that being an older white man in China comes with a bag full of excitement and advantages.

In pursuit of researching community forestry Mark goes on an enthralling journey that takes him from the majestic foothills of Yunnan to the mystical realms of Shangri-La. Amidst vibrant ethnic diversity, he delves into the governance of these ancient forests, forging connections with local leaders, and experiencing the warm hospitality of minority communities.

In this episode of The Maple Dragon, Mark Robson opens up on the challenges he faced in Chinese academia, navigating cultural differences and communication barriers with his Chinese colleagues.

Mark’s interest in community forestry takes him to faraway provinces, noted for their high forest cover but also their poverty. But it is on these trips that Mark gets acquainted with China’s ethnic minorities. From their lively festivals to the struggle for cultural preservation, delve into thought-provoking discussions on tradition, tourism, and intercultural