Best Acorn Studio Podcasts (2025)

1
Sino-US cooperation key to US economic growth 51:46

2d ago51:46

51:46

Today's guest, Kyle Chan, is a Sociologist at Princeton University. We talk about seeing the larger relationship beyond the trade war to the multiple dimensions of the USA and China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Should we fear AI? 55:00

3d ago55:00

55:00

According to Zhang Hongjiang, founder of Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence: ‘AI systems should never be able to deceive humans.’ But are there other reasons to fear AI? Alex Shi and Jason Smith explain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Lessons from China's ascent 55:00

8d ago55:00

55:00

We interview author Carlos Martinez about China's economic system. He explains how China’s unique path to modernity can inspire the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Minority rights: China vs the USA 58:22

10d ago58:22

58:22

While minorities are being extradited without trials in the US, China relishes and celebrates its minority groups. What can the US learn from China's system of elevating and embracing its myriad differences? Find out more with BeiBei and Jason Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
An American Vlogger in China 55:00

16d ago55:00

55:00

Garrett Parrish is an American Vlogger, living in China. He shares his perspectives of Asia, and of China. And how he views America as a ‘Toxic-Ex.’ Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The cost of living: China vs the USA 55:00

16d ago55:00

55:00

Today we delve into the finances of the average American. When polled, 25% of Americans say they “Cannot pay some of their bills.” How bad is it and how painful is it at the grocery store? Find out more with Jason Smith and BeiBei. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Can Crypto Save the US Economy? 59:38

23d ago59:38

59:38

Economist Ben Norton joins us. We ask him about the state of the US economy. Whose foreign aid is helping the Global South? And, can crypto save the US from bankruptcy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How the US lost its own trade war? 55:00

23d ago55:00

55:00

Despite the US-led trade war affecting the world, Americans' negative views of China remain surprisingly subdued. We examine how the US public perceives China, how Chinese view Americans, and whether the global community sees the US trade war as an act of bullying. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
China: realities vs expectations 55:00

30d ago55:00

55:00

We interview a Chinese influencer on the realities of life in China. Kenny Wow, who lives in a 5th tier city, makes content about real life in China. We ask him about some of the myths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Forget what you think you know about China 56:52

1M ago56:52

56:52

Today's guest is the host of Life in China with Patrick Freeman. Patrick actively seeks out folks with bad takes on China and tries to explain what China is really like. We ask him about his quest to spread the truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How the US began believing its own disinformation 57:59

1M ago57:59

57:59

Host of Silk and Steel Podcast, geopolitical commentator Carl Zha joins the show. He explains how the US has been drinking its own propaganda about China. And experts in the US no longer understand China, whatsoever. Listen to this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Megan Russell: China is not our enemy 55:54

2M ago55:54

55:54

Today we speak with Megan Russell, “China is Not Our Enemy Campaign" coordinator. We ask Megan how we can get the Sino-US relationship back on track. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Is panic shopping returning amidst the trade war? 56:15

2M ago56:15

56:15

Mass protests are erupting across the US against the current administration. 1,400 individual protests have rocked the USA recently. Recently, the US has levied massive tariffs on countries all over the world. How concerned should Americans be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Why the West misreads China's economy? 55:00

2M ago55:00

55:00

Today we take a dive into why the west doesn’t understand China’s economy, and some of what they are missing, with special guest, Dr. Warwick Powell. Dr. Warwick Powell is an adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology and a Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute, Beijing. He is the author of "China, Trust and Digital Supply Chains" and "Dyn…

1
How life-milestones are changing in the USA and China? 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

According to Pew Research, Americans want to get married in their late twenties and buy a home in their early thirties. Is that still achievable now? And how does life in China differ? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
China's view of the US trade crisis 51:12

2M ago51:12

51:12

Today’s guest is CEO and geopolitical analyst Arnaud Betrand. We discuss the US economic meltdown. How will China and the world deal with the fallout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Global investors sweeten to China, but why? 58:48

2M ago58:48

58:48

Bank of America has said that the China will outperform this year, predicting that the previously "unloved" tech stocks will gain ground on sagging US peers. Is China the new destination for global investors? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Why the US is losing its own trade war… 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

Economist, Dr. Doug Guthrie joins us to discuss the ongoing trade war. Is it good for the US? Who's losing? And what are the next steps? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Working class America unfiltered 58:13

3M ago58:13

58:13

Today’s guest is James Fauntleroy. We discuss homelessness and the squeeze on the American worker. Is there a better way forward for America? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
It's tax time in China too… 55:26

3M ago55:26

55:26

Tuesday, April 15th 2025 is the last day to file federal taxes without an extension. You may not know, it's also tax season in China. Taxes in China make it rain cash for the poor…Find out more with BeiBei and Jason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
China's rise and the new world 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

Today’s guest is SL Kanthan, a geopolitical analyst, columnist, writer, and podcaster. We discuss the rise of China and whether radical moves in DC are really hurting China, or Americans? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
From China to the USA: friendship saves lives 53:54

3M ago53:54

53:54

Evidence demonstrates that both social isolation and loneliness are linked to morbidity and mortality. Social isolation in China and the USA is a serious life-threatening disease. How can we save our lonely-hearts? Find out more with BeiBei and Jason Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Life as an expat student in China 53:45

3M ago53:45

53:45

Today we take a look at university life in China with, Shanghai based journalist Andy Boreham. He explains what university life in China is really like. And he gives advice on getting a job in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What’s Trump’s China Strategy? 54:33

3M ago54:33

54:33

US based CEO, Cyrus Janssen joins us to discuss China, the USA and the future of diplomacy under Trump. Is this the end or a new beginning? Did Beijing just call checkmate on tariffs? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Dating in the age of AI 55:01

3M ago55:01

55:01

We explore how Chinese dating culture is very different from that in the west. Join BeiBei and Jason Smith, and explore the landscape of partner shopping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Debunking anti-China propaganda 52:29

4M ago52:29

52:29

Canadian podcaster and geopolitical analyst Daniel Dumbrill joins the show. He's been living in Chongqing, Southwest China for years. We take our time unravelling the lies about China. From East to West, the truth is breaking through the noise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Eco-systems in deline: can we survive? 54:17

4M ago54:17

54:17

According to new research biodiversity has lost 85% of global wetlands, 50% of live coral, and 32% of global forest area. Can we save the earth before it’s too late? Find out more with BeiBei and Jason Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
China's democracy: hidden in plain sight? 53:36

4M ago53:36

53:36

Outside of China, folks simply don’t understand China’s political system. Today we demystify the whole-process. Today’s guest is Fernando Munoz Bernal. Fernando is a journalist and influencer. Listen to this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How bad is economic inequality? 52:12

4M ago52:12

52:12

According to new research by Pew Research Centre, 86% of respondents thought, that “rich people having too much political influence leads to inequality in their country.” What can we learn from China’s example? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Wait! China has a congress? 1:00:53

4M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

If you read western media it looks like China’s government is a one man show. Not so. Today’s guest, analyst Danny Haiphong helps us explore China’s Two Sessions, and what makes Socialism with Chinese Characteristics so successful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Who leads the world in technology? 55:00

4M ago55:00

55:00

DeepSeek's release is a wake-up call for US investors who are now looking East. We ask China-tech influencer Lee Barrett just how far ahead China really is. You need to hear this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
News from the People or from Corporations? 54:03

4M ago54:03

54:03

Has social media replaced main stream media? According to a Pew Research Study 52% of US TikTok users ‘regularly get news on TikTok.’ Are we really the media now? Find out more with Alex Shi and Jason Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
A British expat exploring Xinjiang in China 56:08

4M ago56:08

56:08

Luke Johnston is also getting a PhD in the use of AI for colorectal cancer detection. And he speaks Uygur as well.We ask him about his travels in China and the details of what its like to study at a Chinese university. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The US jobs that China supports 55:00

5M ago55:00

55:00

New research by the US-China Business Council suggests more than 900 thousand people in the US are supported by exports to China. Will a trade war lead to unemployment and economic downturn in the USA? Listen in with BeiBei and Jason Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
An American Kungfu Master and Daoist Priest in China 53:05

5M ago53:05

53:05

Jake Lee Pinnick has been training martial arts since 2010 when he made his initial voyage to Wudangshan, China. He is now dedicated to daily cultivating his practice and understanding of Wudang Daoism. He shares his special voyage with us. Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
China's 'Super Bowl' 56:58

5M ago56:58

56:58

The Spring Festival Gala, for Chinese New Year, saw 1.5 billion viewers in 2024 and is the largest TV event on earth. We discuss this spectacle and how to say Happy Chinese New Year to your new friends on RedNote. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
How the west gets China wrong? 53:21

5M ago53:21

53:21

We are joined Kyle Ferrana, author of “Why the World Needs China.” We discuss the disconnect between the reality of China and the imagined China of those in the US public who’ve never been. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Should kids be allowed online? 55:00

5M ago55:00

55:00

According to Pew Research Center, online apps remain widely used among U.S. teens. “Some say they’re on these sites almost constantly.” Beibei, a Beijing mother discusses how to ease kids into the age of the internet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Decoding China’s economy 56:40

5M ago56:40

56:40

Economist Dr. Liang Yan joins us. We break the cipher of China’s real economy, and explore western critiques of China’s foreign policy, looking at what China is really doing in Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Americans are sad about what is happening to earth 55:00

5M ago55:00

55:00

According to Pew Research Center, 73% in the US say they are ‘sad about what is happening to the earth.’ We take a look at public opinion on climate change in the US, China and around the world. How is public debate tied to outcomes? Find out more with Alex and Jason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
A new paradigm for US-China relations? 56:49

6M ago56:49

56:49

Mitch Presnick of Harvard's Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies joins the show. We discuss the state of play between the US and China. And Mitch pitches a new international relations paradigm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What’s ‘Middle Class’ in the US and China? 55:00

6M ago55:00

55:00

According to Pew Research, Most Americans Feel Good about their Job Security but not their Pay, we take a look from at American Finances from China. Are Chinese workers really better off? We dig deep into the truth on the ground. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What is it like for American start-ups in China? 55:00

6M ago55:00

55:00

Today’s guest is Pat Yiu, an entrepreneur, Head of Strategy Nouns Esports & Nouns Agency, who’s served as COO of Valts, Co-Founder and CEO of Hexing Esports Technologies Ltd., and more. We ask him about being an entrepreneur and the business landscape in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
China and the USA: 2024 in Review 51:25

6M ago51:25

51:25

From SpaceX Chopsticks to celebrity deaths and everything in between, we take a look back at 2024 from Beijing to Boston. Listen in, we have a treat for you at the end. Find out more with Jason and Alex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Yes, Santa Visits China 55:00

6M ago55:00

55:00

We invite American Professor Frank Stonier on to discuss his life in China and how he celebrates Christmas from the other side of the world. Frank lives in Chongqing, a cyberpunk-style city in Southwest China. We talk about the holiday spirit and the forth coming Chinese Spring Festival! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The electric vehicle debate between China and the U.S. 55:00

6M ago55:00

55:00

The USA, former world champion of free trade, is throwing up walls to keep Chinese EVs out, as Ford calls for government subsidies. We discuss how Chinese EVs are transforming the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Macao’s Return to China 54:28

6M ago54:28

54:28

We discuss the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. Dr Warwick Powell describes his boyhood in the former Portuguese colony, its modernization process, and economic development after its return to China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What's the difference between Chinese and American homes? 51:42

6M ago51:42

51:42

What’s it take to buy a home? And what habits define home life in China and the United States? From drying your clothes to who washes the dishes we discuss what makes our cultures unique and not so dissimilar. Find out more with Jason Smith and BeiBei. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Science, business and China 57:22

7M ago57:22

57:22

We interview professor Steven Hsu, a theoretical physicist, engineer, and entrepreneur from Michigan State University. We discuss the US-China business landscape, the opportunities for scientific collaboration, AI, Genomics and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Is “Polywork” just a nightmare of excess work? 55:00

7M ago55:00

55:00

Polywork, or working more than one job is on the rise. Is this the path to more meaning in our work lives? Or is this just a fancy label for exploitation of the work-force? We discuss the trends in the US and China. Find out more with Alex Shi and Jason Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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