Best Acorn Studio Podcasts (2024)

1
Why the world needs China 55:57

1d ago55:57

55:57

Author of “Why the World Needs China” Kyle Ferrana comes to Beijing to discuss China’s role in our new multipolar world. He explains how China is replacing the imperial and neo-colonial relations of the past with better infrastructure and greater hope. Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
‘Unqualified’ teachers in US classrooms? 55:18

7d ago55:18

55:18

The US teacher shortage has become more entrenched as the year advances. Many states are turning to people they describe as ‘unqualified’ just to keep an adult in the room. We discuss solutions to this national predicament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How is the US economy really doing? 55:27

9d ago55:27

55:27

Special guest, Kyla Scanlon, author of the new book “In This Economy: How Money and Markets Really Work” explains the economic sentiment in the United States. We discuss how perceptions don’t always align with reality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Belt and Road era and the developing world 55:49

16d ago55:49

55:49

Special guest Cyrus Janssen joins The Bridge to discuss the nature of The Belt and Road Initiative. How is China’s development aid and finance different from that of the US and why does it matter? Listen up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Job hunting tips for graduates in the AI era 55:40

18d ago55:40

55:40

Abstract: As graduation season arrives in both China and the United States, university graduates in both countries face various challenges in their job hunts, particularly amid the rapid development of AI. In this episode, we share popular interview tips from social media in China and the U.S., highlighting how this year's graduates are leveraging …

1
What’s inside China's economic engine? 56:02

25d ago56:02

56:02

Special guest Einar Tangen, a Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute, joins us for a peek inside China’s economy in a global context. Why has the west gotten China so wrong and how can we better understand the most important economic transformation in modern history? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The Belt and Road Initiative in global context 56:27

1M ago56:27

56:27

We discuss Xinjiang, the Belt and Road Initiative and our new multipolar world with Hussein Askary, Vice Chairman of The Belt and Road Institute in Sweden. He describes his recent trip to Xinjiang and the transformative power of global development within the context of the Modern Silk Road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio…

1
Challenges US may face after TikTok ban 56:25

1M ago56:25

56:25

The US TikTok ban will affect one out of every two Americans in the US. Has the US abandoned freedom of speech? What will happen to the US economy? Will other companies fear investing in the US? We break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
A U.S. university tour of China 55:47

1M ago55:47

55:47

Visiting Assistant Professor at Vassar College in New York joins us to discuss a tour that university students took across China. We talk about their first impressions and the rural and urban spaces in the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Why Gen Z has had it with excess work 56:35

1M ago56:35

56:35

If you are okay with working 12 hour shifts 6 days a week, in a lot of countries, with the right education, you can make big bucks. But is it worth it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
A Serbian-American expat in China 56:37

1M ago56:37

56:37

China’s President Xi heads to Europe with a stop in Serbia. We spoke to Nik Stankovic, an expat in China from Serbia, on his thoughts on the Belt and Road, and Chinese investment in Serbia and Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The unknown danger of habitat loss 56:03

2M ago56:03

56:03

According to China Daily, Giant Pandas are no long an endangered species. But thousands more species are in peril. How will human lives be impacted if we lose just some of them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Tens of millions in the U.S. without internet? 55:36

2M ago55:36

55:36

More than 60 million U.S. households are at the risk of being kicked off their internet plans or facing skyrocketing bills. Those most likely to be affected are veterans and the elderly. Does it really make sense in 21st century America? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What is socialism with Chinese characteristics? 54:32

2M ago54:32

54:32

Carlos Martinez, author of The East is Still Red, joins us to discuss China's efforts in creating a just economy. How can the success of China's poverty alleviation campaign help in transforming the developing world? Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Is the U.S. business environment hostile? 56:05

2M ago56:05

56:05

The Singaporean CEO of TikTok has been grilled by a xenophobic Congressional panel twice so far in the U.S. Shortly after, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, was met by cheering crowds in Shanghai. Which nation is the hostile one to foreign companies? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The US and the Asian Century 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

We are Joined by Carl Zha of Silk and Steel Podcast to discuss our new multipolar world. We talk about why the US economy is slowing down behind China, and what the US can do in the new international order. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Do American tourists stick out in a crowd? 55:31

2M ago55:31

55:31

Americans tip when they're not supposed to in China. Chinese tourists spend on luxury items abroad they might not buy back home. We put our travel habits side by side and see who is easier to identify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Multipolarity and the realities of China's economy 55:57

2M ago55:57

55:57

We are joined by economist, Professor Warwick Powell. He explains in detail how China's economy is really doing. We discuss the context in which China is developing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Four-day work week is trending 51:24

2M ago51:24

51:24

Countries around the world are adopting, testing and embracing the four-day work week for office employees. From AI to increasing productivity, we look at a dozen countries and a dozen reasons why this might be the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How workers around the world deal with burnout? 59:18

2M ago59:18

59:18

Globally, most of us are back at the office and a familiar work-place woe is also returning: burnout. According to the BBC, burnout “is a very serious condition.” We all know the feeling. But how do we recover and better yet, how do we avoid it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Becoming famous in China, a British musician's story 51:30

3M ago51:30

51:30

Shaun Gibson is a self-described “visually impaired British musician living in China.” Shuan travels around doing live shows, filming videos, and adventuring throughout China. He’s very popular on Chinese media platforms such as Douyin where he has one million followers. Shaun tells us his story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info…

1
Will more direct flights mean more Americans coming to China? 56:43

3M ago56:43

56:43

US and China are set to increase direct flights between the two countries from 35 per week to 50. Will the increase in ease of travel encourage more people-to-people exchanges, the main ingredient in fostering mutual understanding? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
As Sino-US relations warm, panda’s on the way 55:46

3M ago55:46

55:46

With Sino-US diplomacy warming, the US is eagerly back at the table, to get more pandas. China could soon send two pandas to the San Diego Zoo. Is Panda Diplomacy back? Beibei and Jason discuss the possibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How did China grow twice as fast as the US? 1:05:21

3M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Today with us is Ben Norton, an investigative journalist and analyst. Ben is the founder and editor of Geopolitical Economy Report. He lived in and reported from Latin America for several years, and is now based in Beijing, China. He discusses how so many western reporters get China’s economy so wrong. What is the future of the US, China and Europe…

1
35 years in China as an entrepreneur 52:13

3M ago52:13

52:13

We are joined by Mitchell Presnick, an American who is a Visiting Fellow of Practice at Harvard, founder of Super 8 Hotels China, 35-year resident of Beijing and Hong Kong. We ask him about China's economy and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Would you buy a house with a friend? 55:33

3M ago55:33

55:33

According to the BBC, 63% of new home buyers are now jointly signing mortgages. Given the dramatic increase in the cost of both renting and buying a home, is jointly buying a home with family or friends the new way into the property market? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Do American adults need allowances? 55:46

3M ago55:46

55:46

In 1980's America, in the Suburbs of California, young Jason got 2 dollars a week from his mom and dad. But in today's America, many adult Gen Z kids are also getting allowances from their parents according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center. What has been driving the need to care for kids financially into adulthood? Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
Beyond Women's Day 57:16

4M ago57:16

57:16

UN Women designated this year's Women's Day theme as 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress.' How do we transcend gender roles? And how does China's Two Sessions help women lead? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Understanding China's Two Sessions 40:41

4M ago40:41

40:41

China's annual Two Sessions is imminent and forms the cornerstone of China's Whole-Process People's Democracy. American Professor Josef Gregory Mahoney, professor of politics and international relations at East China Normal University help us to understand this major political event. Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…

1
How visiting China changed one man's outlook? 55:46

4M ago55:46

55:46

We discuss how visiting China for the first time in 2017 changed a British man's mind about the country. Steven Weaver is a semi-retired language teacher who regularly comments on China, having visited China on three long tours. We discuss his insights and what changed his mind about the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info…

1
Can we store sunlight with good old bricks? 52:27

4M ago52:27

52:27

Sure, Solar power generates plenty of energy during the day time. Hydropower generates power when there isn’t a drought. Wind turbines generate power when it’s windy. But what if it’s night time, amidst a drought, when the air is still? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What can Americans learn from China? 52:45

4M ago52:45

52:45

Geopolitical writer S.L. Kanthan joins us in discussing how traveling more can increase one's wisdom. We talk about the future of geopolitical economics and how we can build better cultural bridges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Travel to China in 2024 55:56

4M ago55:56

55:56

Chinese tourists are the largest group of tourists globally. They are highly educated and are great savers who love to splurge on overseas travels. And they choose destinations in nations which are friendly. We discuss this and also the measures China is taking to ensure that it’s easier than ever to visit both the ancient and the futuristic cities…

1
Speaking four languages in China 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Youtuber Alessia Donzello is a polyglot who speaks fluent Italian, English, Spanish and Italian, and dabbles in Arabic and Japanese. We discuss her time living in China, and get some tips and tricks for learning languages from an expert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Why fewer Chinese are migrating to America? 55:47

4M ago55:47

55:47

With far fewer Chinese migrants moving to America, we ask the data, why this is. We also discuss how to get a 5-star card in China, the new green card for foreigners in China. And is college really free in Europe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Life hacks for achieving your goals 52:25

4M ago52:25

52:25

A lot of people are either succeeding or failing at their new year resolutions. We discuss what science says. Want your plan to stick? We share the tricks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Chinese New Year and local traditions 46:37

4M ago46:37

46:37

Jason Smith, host of The Bridge, discusses his trip to the Chinese New Year Opera Gala show. Alex Shi talks about Chinese culture and shares her stories to help people better understand China's regional diversity and national unity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Hyperloop One shutters as China takes up the new tech 51:11

5M ago51:11

51:11

Why did Hyperloop One close? And what does China have up its sleeve? We’re joined by David Feng, the ‘Trains Guy,’ a well-known expert on all things rail-related. He fills us in on the future of Hyperloop and Maglev. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Healthy wetlands mean a healthier world 53:05

5M ago53:05

53:05

The US Supreme Court struck down and limited federal protections of US wetlands. Meanwhile in China, the river chief system, a system for improving the quality of waterways in China, has been extended to the nations’ wetlands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Economic woes leave abandoned dogs in its wake 51:31

5M ago51:31

51:31

With inflation still devastating the US middle class, many pet owners are abandoning their pets to pay for family needs. The consequence can be summed up according to MSN News as "Animal Shelters Across the US are Overflowing." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Leaving America for a better life 55:00

5M ago55:00

55:00

The American dream is no longer to settle down in the States and having kids. According to CNN, quote "The American Dream is to Leave America." We discuss the new trend in jumping ship for a brighter future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
She got a full scholarship to study in China 52:17

5M ago52:17

52:17

Joined by fellow podcaster Jane Bernard, we discuss moving to China. Do you have to speak Chinese in daily life? And how can someone get a full scholarship to study in a university in China? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The new trend of living in hotels 52:38

5M ago52:38

52:38

Daniel George has been living in hotels for three years and has given up on settling down. No longer need to change your sheets, or pay for electricity, water, heating, internet and more, does the hotel life suit you? Would you abandon owning mountains of stuff for a streamlined life of ease? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat…

1
The expats who never want to leave China 55:50

5M ago55:50

55:50

We interview South African YouTube influencer: Nadine in China. Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning Province and the largest city in Northeast China. Nadine considers herself a member of the city. We disscuss her 11 years in China and what makes her to stay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
A local from Detroit on why China's Harbin feels like home 55:44

5M ago55:44

55:44

American in China, Ben Watson, discusses being a foreign-local in the coldest major city in China. He's been in this country for more than 20 years. He tells tales of the Ice Festival, local cuisines, and finding his home in Harbin. He also explains how Harbin and Detroit share a lot in common. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…

1
The limits of our digital clones 55:28

6M ago55:28

55:28

People are now creating digital AI clones of themselves to answer emails and respond to text messages in their downtime. Would you trust a doctor or investment strategist who automates their interpretation of your illness or investments? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
An American professor in China 50:50

6M ago50:50

50:50

American professor, country music artist Mark Levine discusses his 18 years in China. We discuss how 50,000 US students who will be coming to live in China can get ready. And we ask him why China keeps building free hospitals in Africa… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
China, the US and 2023 in retrospect 55:00

6M ago55:00

55:00

We have witnessed unexpected changes around the world in 2023. China's economy, according the IMF, is set to grow by 5.4%, outpacing most expectations. China and the US have resumed regular talks. BRICS invited on new members. And inflation dropped from 10% to 3.2% in the US. What has 2023 come to mean for you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

1
American business opportunities in China 52:05

6M ago52:05

52:05

Two advocates of bridge-building between cultures, Jason Smith and Cyrus Janssen talk US businesses and the Middle Kingdom. The two discuss the scope and size of Chinese markets and what that means for American entrepreneurs. The time to strike it hot in China is now. Listen in to find out why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…

1
Christmas in China 54:41

6M ago54:41

54:41

More than 100 public events are planned in Beijing alone for Christmas. The dashing winter greens and reds have reached a new apex in China. Simply open any app, from ele.me to JD.com and get your selection of décor, Christmas lattes and more. Every major shopping center in major Chinese cities is decked with glistening holiday elements, ready to e…

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