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  • From Chinese Rock Star to Cross-Cultural Storyteller: Henry Kong on Music, Identity, and Cultural Exchange
    2025/10/02
    What does it mean to grow up with music, and then grow into it?In this episode of Liminal Space, we speak with Henry Kong—festival organizer, music promoter, and 75th descendant of Confucius—about his journey from teenage rock star to cultural bridge-builder.Henry reflects on his first bands, the vibrant indie scene in Beijing, and the challenges of staying authentic as commercialization reshapes China’s music industry. He also opens up about cultural adaptation as an international student in the U.S. (from Beijing to Bloomington, Indiana), the tension between identity and opportunity, and why storytelling is the key to meaningful cultural exchange.From the chaos of touring to the quiet lessons of miscommunication, Henry shares the risks and rewards of carving out a career in music. For aspiring creatives, his advice is simple but vital: don’t be afraid to try anything.Takeaways:Henry Kong is the 75th descendant of Confucius. (we don't know for sure lol!)His journey in music began with a middle school band.He took over a music festival in high school.Henry's experiences shaped his focus and confidence.The indie music scene in Beijing was vibrant and supportive.Commercialization has impacted the authenticity of music.Cultural adaptation is crucial for international students.Maintaining authenticity is important in cultural exchange.Henry's college experience was influenced by his music background.His unique story helped him stand out in college applications. Henry Kong transitioned from tech to music promotion.He emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion.Cultural exchange is vital in the music industry.The Chinese music scene is rapidly evolving.Henry's first promotion experience was with the band Escape Plan.He enjoys being a tour guide for artists.Miscommunication can lead to challenges on tour.Henry aims to be a key player in the Chinese music industry.He believes in starting small and scaling up.Storytelling is essential in bridging cultural gaps.Chapters:00:00 Exploring Liminal Spaces in Identity and Culture01:11 Henry Kong: A Unique Journey in Music and Festivals04:26 From Rock Star to Music Promoter: Henry's Background08:54 The Evolution of a Music Career: From School Bands to Touring15:21 Navigating Cultural Differences: Experiences in America23:41 The Changing Landscape of the Indie Music Scene28:14 College Life and Music: Balancing Passion and Education39:21 Entrepreneurial Ventures: Lessons from Startups40:46 The Journey into Music and Entrepreneurship42:24 Building a Network in the Music Industry44:06 Navigating Challenges in Touring44:57 The Dual Role of Cultural Exchange46:02 The Human Side of Touring52:05 Miscommunication and Crisis Management52:31 Balancing Education and Career54:23 Adapting to Changes in the Industry56:04 Consulting and Creative Collaborations57:13 Opportunities for Cultural Exchange58:46 Reviving the Live Entertainment Scene01:03:43 Future Plans and Aspirations01:05:58 The Dream of Cultural Storytelling01:08:18 Advice for Aspiring Creatives01:13:51 Recommendations for Films and InspirationHenry Kong's Email: hkong@neosoul.liveThis podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/Music by Megan TanArt by Cindy Zhang 《摇滚之后,他选择讲述文化的故事——Henry Kong 的音乐与身份之旅》 成长于音乐,又在音乐中成长,这意味着什么?在本期 Liminal Space 中,我们对话 Henry Kong——音乐节主理人、演出推广人,同时也是孔子的第75代后人(未经考证)。Henry 分享了他从少年摇滚乐手到文化桥梁建设者的独特旅程。他回顾了自己最初的乐队经历、北京独立音乐场景的蓬勃与支持氛围,以及在商业化浪潮下坚持真实与独立的挑战。他也谈到自己作为国际学生在美国(从北京到印第安纳州布鲁明顿)的适应过程,如何在身份与机遇之间寻找平衡,以及为什么 “讲故事”是有意义的文化交流的关键。从巡演的混乱到沟通失误中的安静教训,Henry 分享了在音乐行业中冒险与收获的双重体验。对于年轻的创意者,他的建议简单却重要:不要害怕尝试一切。节目要点:Henry Kong 是孔子第75代后裔(未经证实haha)中学时期就开始组乐队高中时接手并运营音乐节这些经历塑造了他的专注与自信北京的独立音乐场景曾经充满活力与支持商业化影响了音乐的真实性文化适应对国际学生至关重要在文化交流中保持真实尤为重要Henry ...
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    1 時間 20 分
  • From Texas to Jiangyin: A Naval Engineer’s Journey in China w/ Julia Meyn
    2025/09/11
    What does it mean to build something massive, precise, and powerful—while rebuilding your own sense of belonging?In this episode of Liminal Space, host Susan Su and co-host Matt Lu talk with Julia Meyn, a naval engineer from Texas now working in Jiangyin, China. Julia shares her journey into the world of shipbuilding, from feeling like an outsider in her engineering program to forging a place for herself in China’s high-speed maritime industry.We explore what it’s like to live and work in a small industrial town as a young foreign woman, the cultural differences that show up on factory floors, and how China's shipyards are quietly leading the global push for cleaner, more efficient vessels. Julia reflects on daily life in Jiangyin, the slow evolution of tech in the maritime world, and the personal growth that comes with stepping far outside your comfort zone. It’s a conversation about metal, memory, and making it work—one conversation, one weld, one word at a time.Takeaways:Julia's journey to shipbuilding began with a passion for languages and cultures.She felt out of place in college due to her lack of a familial connection to shipbuilding.China's shipbuilding industry is massive and global, with a focus on efficiency.Surveying in the maritime industry involves verifying compliance with safety standards.Julia's first impressions of Jiangyin were shaped by her experiences in Shanghai.Finding community in a small town can be challenging, but Julia adapted by expanding her social circles.China's shipyards are capable of building 40 ships a year, showcasing their efficiency.The maritime industry is slow to adapt to new technologies, but there is a push for greener practices.Ship owners play a crucial role in commissioning ships, often opting for foreign classification societies.Innovative designs, like wind sails, are being explored to enhance ship efficiency. Implementing novel technology in shipbuilding is challenging.Daily interactions involve navigating language barriers and cultural differences.Experience in China accelerates learning and skill development.Building relationships with local stakeholders is crucial.The shipbuilding industry offers diverse daily tasks and challenges.Cultural integration involves understanding social dynamics and expectations.Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.Learning a new language enhances communication and connection.The importance of patience and observation in a foreign work environment.Future career paths may differ significantly from current experiences.Chapters:02:02 Julia Meyn: A Unique Journey in Shipbuilding02:50 The Intersection of Cultures: Julia's Background and Interests06:00 Navigating the Maritime Industry: Julia's College Experience07:02 Surveying in Shipbuilding: Julia's Current Role09:47 The Decision to Move to China: Opportunities and Challenges14:33 First Impressions of Jiangyin: Adapting to Small Town Life17:26 Building Community: Finding Connections in Jiangyin20:18 Shipbuilding in China: Efficiency and Scale25:33 Comparing American and Chinese Shipbuilding Practices29:03 Environmental Sustainability in Maritime: The Shift to LNG31:15 Global Shipping Dynamics: Ownership and Production32:41 Navigating Classification Societies33:59 The Role of Third-Party Inspectors36:44 Building Relationships in Ship Construction38:07 Innovative Ship Design: Wind Sails42:27 Cultural Attitudes Towards New Technology45:04 Daily Life as a Maritime Engineer in China51:49 Lessons Learned in Two Years of Experience56:15 Navigating New Construction Challenges58:22 Future Aspirations and Career Growth01:02:33 Social Challenges in a Small Town01:11:30 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear01:15:40 Recommendations and ReflectionsJulia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-meyn-480326185/Julia's Email: jmeyn@eagle.orgThis podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/Video Format on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NftknUfexXY&t=329s&ab_channel=LiminalSpacePodcastMusic by Megan TanArt by Cindy Zhang播客简介(中文) 《从德州到江阴:一位造船工程师的中国故事》 在建造一艘庞大、精密、强大的船只的同时,如何重新构建自己的归属感?在本期《Liminal Space》中,主持人 Susan Su 与联合主持人 Matthew Lu 对话Julia Meyn——一位来自美国德克萨斯州、现居中国江阴的海事工程师。Julia 分享了她进入船舶制造行业的独特旅程,从大学期间在工程专业感到格格不入,到如今在中国这个高速发展的造船强国中找到自己的定位。本期节目聚焦于:作为一名年轻的外国女性,...
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    1 時間 21 分
  • From Chi-Town to China: Navigating Identity, Supply Chain, and the China Dream with Joshua Charles Woodard
    2025/07/26
    What does it really mean to live in-between—cultures, dreams, identities? Joshua Charles Woodard, entrepreneur, engineer, artist, and nightlife maestro, has spent his life exploring this very question. In our first episode, Josh (affectionately known as "Jashy") shares the incredible journey that took him from Chicago's South Side to Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University as a Schwarzman Scholar.We dive deep into the complexities of Josh's identity and experiences as a Black man navigating the largely homogeneous cultural landscape of China. He challenges common narratives about China, unpacks the vital role of social media in bridging cross-cultural divides, and offers sharp insights drawn from his hands-on experiences in China’s bustling manufacturing industry. Wrapping up with wisdom for young people to lean into risks and unconventional paths, Josh reminds us that the richest journeys often unfold where boundaries blur.Takeaways:Understanding cultural narratives is crucial for bridging gaps.The American dream is not equally accessible to all.Social media engagement is key for modern businesses.Experiencing life in China offers unique insights.Manufacturing in China has unparalleled advantages.Being a minority in China presents unique challenges.Building connections is essential for success in business.Embracing risks in youth can lead to unexpected opportunities.Education and exposure to different cultures are invaluable.The future of global manufacturing is intertwined with China's economy.Chapters:00:00 Exploring Identity and Culture01:10 Introducing Joshua Charles Woodard02:07 Navigating Social Media Dynamics06:02 Bridging Cultural Gaps in Business09:38 Josh's Journey from Chicago to China16:14 The MIT Experience and Its Impact18:12 The Journey to MIT: Overcoming Obstacles22:10 Life at MIT: Community and Challenges28:05 The Schwarzman Scholars Program: A New Chapter32:48 Cultural Insights: Navigating Life as a Foreigner in China41:03 Visionary Perspectives on Mixed Heritage in Sports (This is a joke lol)41:35 Navigating the Landscape of Shenzhen's Manufacturing Scene51:05 The Future of Manufacturing: Insights from China55:10 Building Bridges: The Role of Sparrows in Global Manufacturing56:40 Advice for the Youth: Embracing Risks and OpportunitiesThe Sparrows Official Website: https://thesparrows.co/Josh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcwoodard\Josh's Instagram @jashsparrows: https://www.instagram.com/jashsparrowsThis podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/Video Format on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MFW1f_aEXZw?si=J8GlwbetXXZ86qCaMusic by Megan TanArt by Cindy Zhang第一期|Josh Woodard:跨越文化的工程师、艺术家与夜生活策展人生活在“夹缝”中——文化之间、梦想之间、身份之间,到底意味着什么?Joshua Charles Woodard(朋友们都叫他“Jashy”)一位身兼企业家、工程师、摄影师和派对主理人的“斜杠青年”,多年来一直在用自己的方式寻找答案。在本期播客中,Josh 分享了他从芝加哥南区一路走到清华大学施瓦茨曼学者项目的跨国旅程。他坦率讲述了作为一名非裔美国人在中国这样一个文化相对单一的环境中所经历的身份认同挑战,也打破了许多关于中国的刻板印象。他还谈到社交媒体在中西文化对话中扮演的重要角色,以及自己如何在深圳制造业一线积累起独到的商业观察。Josh的经历提醒我们:最丰富的人生往往发生在模糊与过渡的边界地带。他也鼓励年轻人勇敢跳出常规,去走那些“非主流”的道路。精彩要点:理解文化叙事是跨文化交流的关键“美国梦”并非对所有人都平等开放社交媒体是连接世界与商业的重要工具在中国生活能带来独特的洞察与视角中国制造业具备全球少有的优势在中国作为少数族裔也有其挑战与机遇搭建人脉是做生意成功的关键年轻时敢于冒险,常会意外打开新世界教育与文化多样性的体验价值巨大全球制造的未来,将不可避免地与中国深度绑定时间轴: 00:00 身份与文化的探索 01:10 嘉宾介绍:Joshua Charles Woodard 02:07 社交媒体如何影响全球叙事 06:02 商业实践中的文化桥梁 09:38 从芝加哥到中国:Josh的故事 16:14 麻省理工(MIT)的经历与影响 18:12 通往MIT之路:不平凡的背景 22:10 MIT生活:社群与挑战 28:05 清华施瓦茨曼学者项目 32:48 外国人在中国:文化适应的日常 41:03 混血运动员的未来构想(笑点) 41:35 深圳制造业生态的观察 51:05 中国制造的未来趋势 55:10 小麻雀、大格局:Josh...
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    1 時間 8 分