The Bridge to China

Grab the mic! Jesse shares stories of his 10+ years in the Chinese standup comedy scene, how it grew and evolved, and where the future of comedy is heading. Tom and Jesse discuss their roles as Chinese TV show writers and how to make people laugh in another country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, yes, the world is kind of still enduring the pandemic, but that doesn't stop us from sharing travel stories! Jesse and Tom share stories of their favorite places in China and America to visit, what made them so good, and each culture's evolving view on where and why to travel. Also, what the internet is doing to our ideas of travel, and is it really getting away from it all if you're documenting the whole trip on stories? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lights, Camera, Action! This episode, Jesse talks to co-host Tom Xia about his experience directing films in China, why he was inspired to start making movies as a Chinese-American growing up in LA, and the nature of the film industry in both China and the US. He once filmed a documtary 'Christmas Without China' to see whether an American family could make it through a Christmas without using anything made in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesse Appell is the guest host of The Bridge. Jesse is an American comedian who spent nine years performing stand-up comedy in Chinese and enjoys a large fan base in China. In this special episode, Jesse interviews students from the Chinese Students Association of University of Southern California, and finds some kindred spirits whose experiences of studying abroad in America mirror her own of studying in China. What is the biggest challenge for Chinese living in America nowadays? And how does living in another country change someone? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eviction Moratoriums are ending soon in waves across many states in the U.S.. Real estate is being bought up by Wall Street. How can you stay ahead in the new game? We discuss trends in renting and buying a home in The US and abroad. You need to tune in to this episode of The Bridge with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As people approach their twilight years, often there is some fear of growing older. The Bridge looks at the issue of aging throughout our lives, what it means, and how different cultures around the world see themselves and each other at different times in their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge asks a pair of professional director-producers about what it takes to make a movie in today’s market. We discuss the growing genre of science fiction in China, shooting in extreme weather, and what it is like working in the fast pace business of visual media. Linq Yim, originally from Hong Kong, who studied in New York and now lives in Beijing. He won the ‘Sky Award’ at the Pingyao Film Festival. Sheena Tang is a movie producer, and she’s won awards at the Beijing International Film Festival in 2020. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are collectively making enough fashion trash that it simply cannot be given away and re-used. Even donations are simply going into landfills. The Bridge looks at the figures and helps you figure out how to avoid contributing to the biggest new trend in destroying our earth. Tune in with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the pandemic, a lot of people have been putting off health checkups, especially for cancer and age related disease. We are getting to the point where going to the hospital is more realistic again. We discuss what kinds of screenings we need and the differing natures of hospitals around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many economists are warning of inflation, low wages, and near term interest rate increases. Will this mean the end of the US middle class? How can we survive an era of increasing inequality? The Bridge takes a deep dive with Jason and BeiBei. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global chains and amenities have popped up the world over. From soda, to pop stars to soda pop, the world’s cities are saturated with the branding of big business. Can traditional culture survive the constant influence of global brands? Listen in and decide with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent incidents in New York, London, Los Angeles and San Francisco are terrifying the Asian community. From assaults to murders, a very dangerous racist vein in the west is swelling up. We take you through the tough talk necessary to examine the source of this heinous violence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We take you on a tour around the world to look at some of the trends in the pursuit of happiness. What do people in Europe, America, China and elsewhere do to create joy? Join Jason and BeiBei to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge takes a deep dive into the complexity of ethnic and cultural harmony around the world. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For America, the fight for gender equality dates back at least a century. China’s story is somewhat different. In China and the U.S., women make up more than half of all university students. Women in China are taking higher positions in the companies. The Bridge explores why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss what it takes to raise a child to be an athlete. How can we influence a child’s interests? Jason, Beibei, and Maurice discuss the different points of view in the debate over how to raise kids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From gyms with no employees to digital mirrors that count calories and give feedback, technology is changing the way you change your body. Losing the pandemic pounds is going to be a challenge. Jason and BeiBei explicate the newest fads from around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge takes a listen to the most relevant trends in free time around the world? Are Chinese people playing the same games as you? Americans might share more in common with the rest of the world after all. Take a listen with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge discusses the highlights of the Olympics from an international point of view. The most watched Olympics included robots, reused venues, and unexpected delights. We take you on a deep dive into aspects of this event which will surprise you. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you got your Bing Dwen Dwen? Yes, the adorable Winter Olympic mascot panda! Well, it’s sold out now in China. But no worries, factories are speeding up to make more. Why is Bing Dwen Dwen so popular? Follow Jason and Alex on The Bridge to take a look. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How challenging is it to stage a Chinese New Year's Gala during Covid in the U.S.? On this special episode of The Bridge, guest host and stand-up comedian Jesse Appell interviews the director and producer of University of Southern California’s 2022 Year of the Tiger Chinese New Years Gala. Jesse Appell is an American comedian who can perform stand-up comedy in Chinese and enjoys a large fan base in China. He also provides his opinion on the gap between Chinese and US humor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chinese New Year represents the largest annual migration of people in the world. Where are they going? From San Francisco to London to New York, we look at the biggest Chinese festival on earth. Wanna see it for yourself? Join a billion and a half people watching the Chinese New Year Gala, live. And of course with Jason and Alex! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beijing will be the first ‘Double Olympic City.’ In 2008 the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing rocked the world. As Beijing hosts the 2022 Winter Olympics, hundreds of millions of people have taken up winter sports to celebrate. From the Closed Loop system that will keep the athletes safe to the venues that will redefine the sport, find out more on The Bridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021 gave us Meta and an updated space station. But for many the year was tough. We take a look at the year full of change and growing pains, and hope that 2022 will be a prosperous one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can this iconic institution be saved? The Bridge talks about this historic organization, its problems, and its future. Are there similar groups in other countries? We give you all the details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Paris to Dali this show highlights some of the world's best places to see. Wanna see China? Can it be done in just two weeks? Sanya of China and Thailand are must sees for people around the world. Are you brave enough to leave your comfort zone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we be ready for success? Can the keys of communication unleash new potential at workplace? Alex and Jason discuss what it takes to market yourself in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With ships waiting off the coast of San Diego, can America get its goods? When will things normalize? How do shelves around the world look? Come on a world tour with The Bridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Sanlitun to Wukesong to Houhai Lake to the Hutongs, Alex and Jason review the most popular places to go on a Friday night in Beijing. This show also highlights a reel of options in cities like Wuhan and San Francisco. As the speed of what's trendy accelerates, The Bridge guides you to where you should start.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some athletes in the United States have been using Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment such as cupping. More than acupuncture and cupping, the hosts of The Bridge explore the ways you can boost your immune system. Are hospitals really too costly in America? We discuss the issues of the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the runways to the airways to every day, fashion is changing, always. From American second hand stores to your Friday night, we explore the clothes you wear. Luxury brands or grandma's needles? Where to go and who to wear in the US and China. In Shanghai, New York and San Francisco, what is fashionable amongst the fashionable?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With student loans crippling entire generations, is there an alternative? Our hosts discuss the heights of higher education and its limits. What is the value of a good education?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When will high speed rail change your life? What other ways are there to get around in the world today? Jason and Alex discuss the latest tech changing peoples' lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To study or to play? Play of course! An easy decision to make for kids. But how to provide good educaiton while ensuring a happy childhood remains challenging for parents, schools and even policy makers in different countries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge host Jason discusses what American retirees like to do, from binge-watching to taking off in an RV. Alex showcases the lifestyle of Chinese ‘Damas', or aunties, who enjoy dancing in public squares in the evenings in China. What kind of retirement life would satisfy people worldwide? What are some retirement choices for expats in countries like China? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Different cultures mark the change from child to adult in unique ways. How do they come into play in our modern world? We look at several traditions and discuss the modern journey of growing up. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Little white lies, are they holding us back? Different cultures the world over value the truth differently. Transitioning between these places can be tricky. The Bridge shores up our similarities in a changing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it okay to embrace the cultures of others? We talk through the perilous prospect of embracing another people’s traditions. The Bridge gives you some help in understanding the respect required to navigate our times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We take a tour around the world and into your kitchen. From tumble driers to blenders, what appliances make the list in China and the US? Can we save money and possibly the world from our laundry room? Examine the possibilities with Jason and Alex.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Center for Disease Control routinely changing its recommendations, a lot of Americans are turning a deaf ear. As America creeps up on one million deaths, is there a way out? The team at 'The Bridge' discuss this and how the rest of the world is doing at controlling the pandemic. Find out more with Jason and BeiBei. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Thousands of years people have been telling stories. Are the myths of the past still part of our world? The Bridge takes a deep dive into the stories around which our world was built. Are we still telling these same stories? And, are we now writing new ones? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every generation these days defines itself differently from the last. In a fast changing world are there room for traditional crafts, clothes, music and values. China has modernized faster than any nation in history. Is there a return to tradition? We ask. We answer. Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk commuting in New York, LA, Beijing, and cruising highway. Are the roads more manageable with the transition to remote work? The Bridge also gives you insight into the largest annual migration of people on Earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge interviews a professional voice actor in China. We talk being on the set, dubbing and more. You may be surprised to hear a familiar voice as our guest does the voices of some famous video games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge takes you on a tour of talking. Do all Chinese people speak English today? In America, people increasingly learn another language. While French, Spanish, Russian are taking off in China, we explore who's talking and how they do it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coffee has transformed America. And today's coffee isn't your grandparents' cup of tea. Coffee is seeing growth in sales in China. The Bridge hosts disscuss how the culture of drinking caffeine is soaking in the green.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ancient Silk Road brought the west tea, spices, silk, the iron plow and more. Today, the world is trading goods faster than ever. The Bridge takes a look at the foods, habits and tools China and the US are borrowing from each other.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team at The Bridge go abroad for you and find the absolute best food around the world. From continental, national, and regional cuisine to your kitchen, we talk what’s cooking. Think you’ve tried Chinese food? Think again. Listen in and we’ll give your palate something to talk about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bridge shows you the future of sports in China. More than 300 million people across China have participated in winter sports since 2018. The excitement for the Beijing Winter Olympics has been building up and many more young people have chosen winter sports as their new hobbies. Do we see a future investment opportunity? Let’s see what The Bridge has to say. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Different countries around the world handled the pandemic differently. The results are easy to see. How did the US fumble in the most important play of our age? Beibei and Jason at The Bridge look at the strategies different people around the world took and examine what works and what doesn't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.