Daniel Dumbrill is a geopolitical commentator, independent journalist, and entrepreneur.  He is known for his in-depth analysis of China, global politics, media narratives, and the shifting balance of power in an increasingly multipolar world.  His commentary explores US-China relations, international affairs, and how media framing influences public understanding of global events. Daniel is recognized for challenging conventional narratives and encouraging audiences to examine geopolitical issues with a critical and evidence-based approach.  Today we talk about defending China against Western propaganda.  How control of information is influencing global discussion, society, and personal beliefs.  We also talk about life in China, the great firewall, censorship, and lessons from China's past.   _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, 小红书, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Ximalaya, YouTube, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

YI is the owner of fine jewelry brand YI Collection and former stylist for Vogue China.  Today we talk about "love bombing", attraction, sex and the city…literally.  We talk about the differences in what men and women might be attracted to and the games we play when we're in the chase.  We talk about rejection, self-worth, appearance vs personality, and judging faces.  YI shares her mindset after leaving a relationship of eight years, her views on independence, loneliness, monogamy, white expat men, and dating strategies like negging and acting dumb. We discuss ethnicity and identity as Chinese-Americans, changing beauty standards, and the importance of health and fitness in maintaining marriages and relationships.  We also talk about squat toilets.   _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, 小红书, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Ximalaya, YouTube, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Dr. Steve Vinay Gunther is a renowned Australian Gestalt psychotherapist and founder of the acclaimed Northern Rivers Gestalt Institute in Australia.  He is also the author of the bestselling book "The Woman In Your Life - A Man's Guide to a Happy Relationship".  He has been in practice for over 40 years with an accomplished career in psychology, working with individuals, couples and families from all over the world.  Today, Dr. Gunther shares why his focus shifted to China and we get into a deep conversation about relationships.  We talk about what prevents us from sustaining healthy relationships and when to walk away.  We cover failed marriages, self-awareness, listening for "grains of truth" and men's difficulty identifying and expressing deeper feelings.   We talk about shame, "un-virtues" and why running away from pain doesn't work.  We also discuss the over-simplification of therapy in this digital age, the dangers of using AI for emotional guidance, and a wholistic way of perceiving our own existence called systems thinking.  We explore relationships from at least three levels, the relationship with ourselves, the ones we love, and society.  Join us as we uncover some hard truths. www.gestalt2027shanghai.com www.gti.today www.learngestalt.com _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, 小红书, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Ximalaya, YouTube, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Matt Chen is a Chinese American entrepreneur, social media content creator, and builder of Daily Hanzi, an app helping people learn to read Chinese.  Currently at 24 years old he's decided to ditch his aerospace engineering degree and restart his life by moving to China.  Focused on bridging East and West through content about language, culture and identity he hopes to reconnect with his Asian heritage while improving his own Chinese literacy, finding a different path for himself in a new world.  Today, we talk about Matt's experience growing up in the US as an ABC and compare it to our own experience from an older generation.  We talk about his choice to move to China just ten months ago, his revelation during a job interview with a US defense contractor, and what's behind the "A Very Chinese Time In My Life" trend happening in America.  We also talk about the broad anxiety amongst his younger generation, finding purpose, and balancing digital and analog life.   Happy Chinese New Year! _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

We are joined by friends of the show Charles Zeng, owner of Charlie's Burger, and James Wu visiting from the U.S.  Today we debate the pros and cons of having kids or not.  James shares his reasoning on his and his wife's decision not to have kids.  We talk about societal pressures, its impact on marriage and our thoughts on using physical force when it comes to disciplining our kids.  We talk about chasing happiness, comparing kids to chocolate, and our biggest fears when it comes to growing old.  We talk about the midlife crisis, aging and managing anger day to day. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Today we welcome in the new year as we film a special episode facing the camera.  We play "agree or disagree" and discuss several relatable topics, from the effectiveness of New Year's resolutions to whether romance is dying.  We also rank our worst personal habits to leave behind from the past year.  This episode is packed with introspection, light-hearted debates, and a drive to live better in 2026.   _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Rico Zhang is a Chinese-Australian Director known for his technical filmmaking, award-winning music videos and bold aesthetic world-building.  His most recent project was Dongji Rescue 东极岛 (2025), a film based on the true story of Chinese fisherman from Dongji Island who risked their lives to rescue over 300 British POWs after a Japanese transport ship was torpedoed by the U.S. Navy in WWII.  Today Rico shares the challenges working on Dongji Rescue, finding cultural identity in his filmmaking in China and the West, and we discuss the complexities of being an ABC in today's world.  We talk about the impact of cultural influence, and how the evolving global landscape shapes identity. Rico also reveals his fascinating physical ability to not get drunk and the importance of focusing on commonalities rather than differences. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

In this special episode, the hosts delve into the theme of rushing through life and reflect on their personal experiences with close friendships. They discuss the difficulty of savoring moments, and the significance of 'Irish goodbyes'.  The conversation centers around Aric's impending move to California, exploring the emotional and practical implications for their friendship and the future of the podcast. They also touch on the broader societal impacts of AI and their evolving perspectives. Despite the impending changes, the hosts affirm their commitment to their deep-rooted friendship and the continuation of the podcast. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Today's conversation takes a deep dive into the paranormal, exploring Tilman's fascination with near death experiences, reincarnation, shared death experiences, and the time between lives. Tilman shares compelling stories and accounts, including documented cases of miraculous healings and children's memories of past lives. The discussion also touches on the transformative impact of these experiences, the concept of a higher power, and the importance of living authentically and without fear. This episode is a captivating exploration of the unknown and the unexplained.  Tilman Rieger is the founder of 8C Consulting, focused on conflict management, interpersonal and nonviolent communication. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

c.j. Ng is a sales, leadership, and experiential learning coach.  He has helped companies ranging from Google, Volvo to Swarovski.  Today we talk about the often-overlooked skill of sales, not just as a career, but as a life-altering tool. We explore the nuances of effective communication, the need for empathy, and the fine line between influence and manipulation. We also discuss the challenges of giving and receiving feedback in professional environments, particularly in Asian cultures.  We discuss if it's better to give feedback anonymously or not.  Whether you're in sales or another industry, c.j. emphasizes the importance of learning how to sell—be it a product, an idea, or yourself. _____________________ If you enjoy this show don't forget to leave a rating! Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonestdrink_/ RedNote: THD The Honest Drink WeChat: THD_Official Find us on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, 小红书, Ximalaya, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, Bilibili or anywhere else you get your podcasts.