Best Carl Zha Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 547: Saturday Morning Degen Catchup (ft. Mike and Steve) Pt. 1 1:10:29

2h ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Mike, Steve and Teen find time on Saturday morning of Labor Day Weekend to catch up on the markets and the economy, a few current events, what's going on in each of LA, HK, and NYC, and try to avoid the doomerism of the news cycle. Easy listening podcast for hard times.To support and get access to premium episodes, go to: patreon.com/planamag…

1
Ep 9: Taiwan Separatism pt.1: The Origins 1:11:27

2h ago1:11:27

1:11:27

In this episode, we delve into the intricate history of Taiwan's separatist movement, beginning with the island's return to China in 1945 after fifty years of Japanese occupation. As we explore the internal tensions and external pressures that fueled this movement, you'll discover how a fringe idea gained ground amidst the contradictions within Tai…

1
Ep. 546: Also Known As (ft. Adam Goodman) 55:27

1h ago55:27

55:27

Adam is back! One of the regulars when Plan A got started, Adam is back to talk with Teen about his work with the transnational adoptee organization Also Known As, the importance of volunteerism, and some just some shooting of the shit.To support: patreon.com/planamagBy Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

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Myths about the Nazis: Voting for Hindenburg Would Have Stopped Hitler

35m ago

—

Sadly, every election cycle when the debate about the lesser evil becomes strong, pundits trying to make a point decide that it is time to rehash out already debunked myths about how Hitler could have been stopped via elections. Notwithstanding the fact, that Hitler was made chancellor after a secret backroom-deal with industrialists. This election…

1
Ep 8: Microchips & Macro Politics w/ "Mr. T." 1:00:58

3h ago1:00:58

1:00:58

In this episode of Strait Talk with Xiangyu, we explore the intricate world of semiconductors and geopolitics with a seasoned industry insider, "Mr. T." Discover the crucial role that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plays in shaping global tech trends and its strategic importance on the world stage, particularly its impact on Sino…

1
Ep. 544: American Default Culture (ft. John Pang) 59:04

16d ago59:04

59:04

Part 1 of 2John Pang joins Teen to talk about the phenomenon of a global return to traditional cultural norms, and where that leaves American liberal culture as it passes beyond its apex.To support: patreon.com/planamagBy Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

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Ep 7: History's Wounds - The KMT's Military Brothels (w/ Andrea Heinz & Elly Arrow) 2:58:31

1M ago2:58:31

2:58:31

In this episode, we share a dark and painful chapter of history: the military brothel system established by the Kuomintang (KMT) in 1950, which persisted until the closure of the last military brothel in Kinmen in 1992. Joining the discussion are Andrea Heinz and Elly Arrow, outspoken activists against sexual exploitation, from the Red Light Exposé…

1
Ep. 543: A Short Rant About the Paris Opening Ceremony 6:27

17d ago6:27

6:27

This isn't a full episode, but just a short rant about the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony and what a missed opportunity it was to give the world a message of unity and hope. Instead, it was a display of narcissism and European insularity.By Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

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Forces of Labor: The Minimum wage

20d ago

—

In 2007, President George W. Bush signed into law the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007. Buried within this act, under SEC. 8102, was the last minimum wage hike. Within a two-year period, it gradually raised the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. On July 24, 2009, the feder…

1
Ep. 541: Post-Assassination Attempt Politics (ft. Carl Zha and John Pang) 1:22:39

1M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

This is the recorded audio of a Twitter Space held by the America Watchers (Carl Zha, John Pang, and Teen) on July 19 to talk about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the selection of JD Vance, and the return of traditional "honor politics" in America.This includes the discussion between Carl, John, and Teen. There was a lot of discussion w…

1
Ep. 539: Burnout Society (ft. Prof. Fred Lee) 1:26:53

28d ago1:26:53

1:26:53

Fred Lee is a professor with a joint appointment in political science and Asian American Studies. He joins Teen to talk about his observations about mass burnout, the symptoms, causes, and likely effects. Byung-Chul Han's "Burnout Society" is discussed as well as Nietzsche's notions of sovereignty and will.Part 1 of 2 -- the related bonus episode c…

1
Ep 6: Meeting "Douglas MacArthur" (w/ Mario Cavolo) 1:38:49

2M ago1:38:49

1:38:49

In this episode of Strait Talk, I sit down with Mario Cavolo, a multifaceted writer and actor residing in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. Mario shares his experiences portraying General Douglas MacArthur in the Chinese historical series Crossing the Yalu River, and we discuss how his character's role in the Korean War connects with my family's hi…

1
Ep. 537: Married Single Mom 1:03:16

1M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Jess and Teen talk about the phenomenon of married women with kids suddenly finding out in early middle age that their husband is fully checked out of family life. Teen relates personal experience as to what may be at play that causes this desire for solitude.Part 1 of 2 -- second part can be found on the Patreon feed. To join the Plan A Patreon go…

1
Ep 5: Bridging Divides (w/ Li Jingjing) 1:02:31

2M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

During my recent trip to Beijing, I had the opportunity to sit down with Li Jingjing, a renowned journalist and vlogger known for her insightful reporting on current events and her engaging portrayal of everyday life in China for an international audience. In this episode, we touch upon a wide a range of topics, including mainland Chinese perspecti…

1
Ep. 535: WW3 Is No Longer Purely Hypothetical (ft. Mike) Pt. 1 1:17:41

1M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

Part 1 of 2Mike joins Teen to discuss the rise of white supremacist anti-Semitism, the non-distinction between liberal interventionists and neocons, and the foreign policy reasons to consider a vote for Trump over Biden.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Tw…

1
Ep. 533: Suburban Hellscapes (ft. Mike and Chong) Pt. 1 1:05:44

2M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Part 1 of 2Chong and Mike join Teen on the eve of Juneteenth to talk about being alienated from suburban landscapes, lifestyle, and ultimately suburban people.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitter: @aerialist)…

1
Ep 4: Strait to the Top: Iron Mic and the Rise of Chinese Hip-Hop (w/ Detroit Showtyme) 1:55:57

3M ago1:55:57

1:55:57

Conversations about Chinese hip-hop are incomplete without recognizing the contributions from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The discussion also needs to address the connections to American hip-hop, the origin of the genre. Our guest, Detroit Showtyme, a hip-hop enthusiast from Detroit who moved to Shanghai in 1999, played a significant rol…

1
Documenting Donbas

3M ago

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Over the past year, I have traveled to the Donbas region, currently the source of conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While I have written a few articles presenting the side of the story that the mainstream media tends to ignore, my main focus has been collecting interviews and information to create a documentary about what has transpired. During …

1
Ep. 532: How to Be a Proper Asshole (ft. Shan) 1:06:59

2M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

The second installment of a series whereby Teen gets into a public verbal confrontation, Shan records it, and then the couple reviews it like it's Inside the NBA. What was done well, what could be done better, and whether all of this nonsense could have been avoided.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/plana…

1
Ep 3: Life in Substitute Service (w/ Leo) 1:05:38

3M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

In this episode of Strait Talk, I invited Leo, a fellow conscript from our time in Substitute Service at the Training Center of the National Fire Agency, to discuss our experiences there. What is the Fire A I also give a brief introduction to the history of conscription in Taiwan and summarize how the laws governing it have evolved over the years. …

1
Ep. 530: Real Assets (Pt. 1) 1:07:01

3M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Part 1 of 2Mike, Steve, and Teen have a discussion about buying real assets in a world dominated by financialized investment products. Primarily fun, but also maybe to hedge against future financial crises.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitter: @aerial…

1
Myths About Nazis: Nazis were Socialists

3M ago

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Recently, in current events, the topic of Nazis and Fascism have been making it through popular media. Unfortunately, more often than not, popular media perpetuate the same misinformed myths about Nazis, whether it is “voting for Hindenberg would have stopped Hitler” (which we have already debunked) or whether Nazis are socialists, or alternatively…

1
Ep 2: Crossing the Taiwan Strait (w/ Zoe Discovers) 1:35:39

3M ago1:35:39

1:35:39

In this episode, we're joined by Zoe Discovers, a prominent voice on north Korea with firsthand experience living on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We delve into her perspectives as a foreigner in China on the similarities and differences between Taiwan and mainland. Additionally, we touch on the parallels and distinctions between the offshore is…

1
Ep. 528: The Department of American Studies 1:20:03

3M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

John Pang joins Jess and Teen from Hangzhou, China to talk about the need to study America as it really is, what life is really like here, and get beyond the outmoded tropes about this place so that the world can better understand us.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan …

1
Ep 1: America First vs. America First (w/ Jackson Hinkle) 2:05:03

4M ago2:05:03

2:05:03

Joining us for this episode is Jackson Hinkle, one of the most sanctioned political commentators, a people's ambassador of the United States, and a very divisive figure among American netizens described by right-wing detractors as a communist traitor, and by baizuo detractors as a fascist national chauvinistic bigot. Together, we delve into the sha…

1
Ep. 526: Forget About Justice: The Ong Brothers Attack (ft. Dr. Z) 1:01:40

4M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Hen Zee (aka Dr. Z) joins Teen to talk about the recent sentencing and imprisonment of John Ong following a 2020 racist attack at his family's home in Manhattan Chinatown. Why we need to let go of our naive belief in (legal) justice, why and how to get prepared for hostility and danger, and to let go of our childish investments in liberalist ideas.…

1
Ep. 523: Boeing and the Origins of the Fake Economy (Part 1) 1:05:33

4M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Part 1 of 2Mike H. joins Teen to talk about Boeing's shocking failures, financialization, and how the economy became fake.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitter: @aerialist)By Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

1
Ep 0: Cutting the Ribbon (w/ Carl Zha from Silk and Steel Podcast) 1:00:00

4M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Taiwan's history does not begin in 1949. In this introductory episode, we're joined by Carl Zha from the Silk and Steel Podcast to begin uncovering Taiwan's rich and complex history, as well as unravel common misconceptions about the island, explore its intricate cross-strait relations with the Chinese mainland, and understand why this island has e…

1
Ep. 521: Columbia Protests and the Elite Schism (Part 1) 1:06:00

4M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

Part 1 of 2John Pang joins Jess and Teen to discuss what Teen saw in person at the Columbia campus over the weekend, the seriousness of the conflict, and why we are seeing internecine warfare within elite institutions and society.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" b…

1
Ep. 520: Nostalgia for Retro Tech that Soothed the Soul 58:28

5M ago58:28

58:28

Jess and Teen record a long pod about nostalgia for retro tech, only to hang up, continue the conversation, and realize the after-talk was actually the better pod. Here is the after-talk , about the virtualization of all technologies into software, the corruption of software as trojan horses into our lives, and the suspect loyalty of the technology…

1
Ep. 518: Disillusioned Careerism is the Best Careerism (pt. 1) 1:02:04

5M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Part 1 of 2Jess and Teen talk about how time and experience allows a more mercenary and disillusioned relationship with work and jobs, and how the cultish mythology around work and passion (esp in tech) was the cause and not the cure to the anxiety and pressure of careerism. Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.…

1
Ep. 517: "Perfect Days" and Artful Aging 1:36:34

5M ago1:36:34

1:36:34

Jess and Teen discuss Wim Wenders' 2023 film 'Perfect Days' and what it says about aging and internal monologue.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitter: @aerialist)By Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

1
Ep. 516: Springtime, a Wild Jess Appears 1:39:12

6M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Jess is back after a long hiatus to catch up with Teen on important life matters: the importance of spring in New York, the exquisite quality of computer manuals in the 1970s, and what the hell 'internal monologue' means.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (T…

1
Ep. 514: Mad World Investing (ft. Mike and Steve) Part 1 1:03:17

6M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Part 1 of 2Mike, Steve and Teen find a timezone compromise between LA, NYC, and HK to talk about managing our money in what seems like mad world of overpriced investment assets and unprecedented risk to the US dollar system.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel…

1
Ep. 512: American Self-Immolation (ft. John Pang) Pt. 1 1:05:33

6M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Part 1 of 2John Pang joins Teen to talk about the meaning and the reality behind Aaron Bushnell's act of suicide by fire, the cultural context in which that took place, and then a wider discussion about the joys of getting older even surrounded by a culture which fears death and loathes aging.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our…

1
Ep. 508: How Long Before the Holodeck Arrives? (ft. Mike) 1:06:26

6M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Mike and Teen shoot the bull on generative AI, whether Sora + Vision Pro = Holodeck, and general musings about technology of no particular consequence.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitter: @aerialist)By Escape From Plan A Podcast by Plan A Magazine

1
Ep. 506: Raising Kids in a Zombie Apocalypse Movie (Pt. 1) 1:05:39

7M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Peter and Teen talk about Peter's newborn baby, the encroachment of the state into the private domain of the family, how zombie apocalypse films are really a pro-family fantasy genre, and home schooling as an option.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitte…

1
Ep. 505: Being Old Feels Like Being a Kid Again (ft. Shan) 1:15:40

7M ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Shan and Teen talk about middle age, how American culture does not prepare people for getting older, and how getting older is severely underrated. It often feels like being a kid again.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitter: @aerialist)…

1
Ep. 504: Flipping Out Mildly at the Costco (ft. Shan) 1:11:05

7M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

Shan and Teen talk about a very minor episode of losing one's temper at the Costco, why it's important to get mad when you're mad, practice getting mad, and to think obsessively about when you get mad after the fact.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitte…

1
Ep. 502: Fleeing The West (ft. Steve And Mike) (Pt. 1) 1:05:46

8M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

Part 1 of 2Steve talks with Mike and Teen about the experience so far of emigrating from the West - in his case, Toronto - and starting an entirely new permanent existence in Hong Kong and China.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (Twitter: @aerialist)…

1
Ep. 499 Where Is Life in America Heading From Here? (Part 1) 1:19:04

8M ago1:19:04

1:19:04

Part 1 of 3John and Mike join Teen for a marathon weekend shitshoot about the likely trajectory of life in America in 2024. Something has clearly gone off the rails, that's without question, but it's hard to tell where this is headed. We try to get off the strictly political/geopolitical frameworks, and talk more subjectively about the mood in the …

1
Ep. 497: America From the Outside (ft. Carl Zha) Pt. 1 1:12:17

8M ago1:12:17

1:12:17

Part 1 of 2Back home in Bali after an extended trip back to the United States, Carl Zha joins Teen to talk about the view of America from abroad. In part two (available to our Patreon supporters), John Pang jumps on from Hangzhou to offer his take after permanently moving out of the US.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreo…

1
Ep. 495: The Return of Oxford Kondo and 78FiveAlive (Pt. 1) 1:08:27

8M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Teen is joined by Chris as they reminiscence about the early motivations they'd had for starting Plan A (e.g. Asian American online gender wars, Asian American political awareness) and what does and doesn't matter to them about those topics anymore.Subscribe to Chris' Substack, Salieri Redemption, at: https://salieriredemption.substack.com/Get acce…

1
Ep. 494: Great Art Is Trash 1:17:16

9M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

After a long interlude, Escape From Plan A is back in production! Teen and Shan recount their first trip abroad (to Spain) in almost 4 years -- since right before COVID was discovered -- and the return of novelty to foreign travel. They talk at length about the Prado and the revelatory experience they had without the pressure of worshiping European…

1
Ep. 493: We Are the Moderators Now 1:18:32

9M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Filip joins Teen to talk about the last half year of raising a baby girl, finding closure on one stage of life only to open a bigger door filled with newer, bigger kinds of anxieties. And yet, life has never been better.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (@a…

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Ep. 491: Toxic Therapy Culture (ft. Alice) Pt. 1 1:02:46

10M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Part 1 of 2Friend of the pod Alice joins Teen to talk about the peculiar soullessness of Washington D.C.'s bureaucratic legion, and how modern therapy culture has a rotten core.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape From Plan A" by Ciel (@aerialist)…

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Ep. 489: SaveMoar (ft. Shan) 1:38:03

10M ago1:38:03

1:38:03

Shan and Teen talk about one of their favorite topics as a couple: money and finances. The American financial environment is shifting into asset deflation mode, so a lot of 'common sense' about household finances -- buying a house is always good, renting is throwing away money, and 'cash is trash' -- need to be re-examined. And what cultural prohib…

1
Ep. 487: You Got To Know When To Fold 'Em (ft. Mike and Steve) Pt. 1 1:06:46

10M ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Part 1 of 2On the eve of Steve leaving for HK and Mike turning 40, the degenerate threesome pour some drinks and have a good 'ol shit talk about growing up in Can-Merica, how to make work work, and when it's time to fold 'em and leave for good.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "Escape …

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Ep. 485: Living In a Fallen World (ft. John Pang) Pt. 1 1:01:15

10M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Part 1 of 2John Pang returns to talk about Teen's dark visions of the world, why our juvenile capitalist culture's embargo on such dark visions is itself maddening, and how recent events are lifting the shroud off of realities we would rather not see.Get access to bonus pods and Discord chat by joining our patreon: patreon.com/planamagEFPA Theme: "…

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Ep. 483: The Diaspora Has No Future (ft. Q. Anthony Ali) Pt. 1 1:17:27

11M ago1:17:27

1:17:27

Pt. 1 of 2Q. Anthony Ali joins Teen to talk about diaspora media people who habitually engage in gratuitous racism against their own people, the double-consciousness of diaspora and how to avoid it, and what the future of assimilation might be in a post-liberal world.LINKS:Q's Twitter: https://twitter.com/NobleQAliThat Viet Thanh Nguyen video: http…

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