Shows
BeeNowAttunement with the body with Regina Faridnia Regina (Guthrie) Faridnia is an Integrative Health Practitioner and Brainspotting trainer specializing in Native populations. She has a Psychotherapy practice under my LCSW and an Integrative Wellness Practice/Spa. 2023-08-3124 min
BeeNowLearning to listen to the voices that help I'm super excited to release episode 66 of the BeeNow podcast. In this chat, I sat down with an old friend, Maggie Sass, PhD. Aside from being a great conversationalist and friend, Maggie is an EQ research strategy lead at TalentSmart EQ. After 10+ years after graduate school, we decided to reconnect. In this episode, Maggie shares her story and we explore topics related to EQ and self-awareness, and learning to listen to the voices that help. enjoyyy More about MaggieMaggie Sass, Ph.D., is an innovative, research-driven design thinker...2023-04-2230 min
BeeNowCreating magic moments at work Britni Warner, PhD is the Head of Talent Development and Engagement at Sony. We went to graduate school together and after 10+ years we decided to reconnect. In this episode, Britni and I explore topics related to EQ and self-awareness and how to create magic moments at work. 2023-03-2225 min
BeeNowThe power of listening with Hanling Hanling Peng is a mental health counselor in Chengdu. Her work is devoted to arouse motivation in her patients to reflect and accept where they come from and who they really are. It's a hard and romatic work, like accompanying a friend to go to an unknown land in the dark, and only at the end when the sunlight breaks into heart, one can really feel that the journey was all worth it.Hanling shares how she got started as a therapist, the importance of listening, and the dangers of avoiding negative emotions. ...2022-08-0833 min
BeeNowSettling in with Tingting Ms. Tingting Chen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. She grew up in Shanghai and has lived in Hong Kong and United States for over 10 years. She is currently setting up her own private practice in Shanghai. Tingting has been providing mental health counseling and art therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults. Her experience as a counselor in an inpatient psychiatric unit in the States has helped her to see human resilience even during the most challenging times. Tingting enjoys working with people to help them discover the beauty o...2022-08-0144 min
BeeNowFrom drowning to ship builder BeeNow podcast, Episode 60In this episode, Kitty, known as being happy and outgoing, shares her mental health journey and evolution in China. Her battles with panic attacks started as drowning in deep waters to then building a ship and helping others build theirs (metaphorically). At first, reacting to bodily symptoms then responding to the root cause. 2022-06-1139 min
BeeNowTuning the compass, Episode 59 Currently, the show is 10minute episodes with creatives and mental health professionals, covering 3 topics: 1. Alone time2. Doing hard things3. Misunderstandings 2022-04-1410 min
BeeNowSlowing down with discipline BeeNow podcast, Episode 58Ju Chen (Juju) is a former business owner and investor. In pursuit of greater meaning in her life, she dove into the work of emotional wholeness and healing. She wants to see people fully alive in their relationships while being healthy inside. She is now the founder of Puzzle Love to promote healthy self & healthy relationships. In this episode, we examine what it means to be busy, asking, "why the rush?" We look at what it means to slow down, the value of discipline, and also some wa...2021-09-1221 min
BeeNowLoss, gain, and economic growth BeeNow podcast, Episode 57In this episode, Ree and I share stories from our time in Wan Zhou (万州). We tell the story of our cab driver who had to re-adjust his hopes for his children's future because of a policy change. And the story of a sweet old lady who runs a coffee shop with her daughter and how the policy change actually benefited them. The stories reveal the human heart and how economic development affects people in different ways. 2021-09-0512 min
BeeNowDilly-dallying with Amiee BeeNow podcast, Episode 56"A bunch of tickets took me around Europe, a wanderlust heart showed me around the East and West coast of America, a foodie mouth brings me to Chengdu, a camera leads me to Chengdu’s streets and alleys, my blog shares all kinds of thoughts and stuff, my small little kitchen hosts interesting people from different places. My name is Amiee, nice to meet you~"In this episode, Amiee shares her journey as an outsider, not knowing much, to finding a sense of home in Chengdu. She...2021-08-0639 min
BeeNowPressure, creation, and becoming nobody with Vincent BeeNow podcast, Episode 55 My name is Feng Yuan (or Vincent). You will hear my childhood in the podcast - the story is a version I can offer now any way. The past is still diverging like poetry, which is the plaza where everything intertwines. Philosophy, spirituality, time and space, love and hatred, a million possibilities. I've learned to play the game and to be played by the game of the poetic. It's this infinity that has nurtured me to be not my true self, but millions more. And It's my pleasure to share the thr...2021-07-1337 min
BeeNowA peaceful sail with Juju BeeNow podcast, Episode 54Ju Chen (Juju) is a former business owner and investor. In pursuit of greater meaning in her life, she dove into the work of emotional wholeness and healing. She wants to see people fully alive in their relationships while being healthy inside. She is now the founder of Puzzle Love to promote healthy self & healthy relationships. In this episode, Juju shares her journey to finding her passion from numbness to learning to feel and let go of what's inside. She touches on cultural perceptions on security and being...2021-07-0635 min
BeeNowBeing a clean mirror with Stephen DiSalvio Stephen DiSalvio - or as I call myself - me. But you should probably call me... Stephen. I grew up in New Jersey - the suburbs of NYC. I'm a complex coordination of compounds directed by my DNA, but mostly I'm just water.Here's a list of my "achievements" so that you can more easily judge my relative value as a human being: programmer for 4 years, teacher for 2 years, produced 2 albums (search: thoughtpeace), performed stand-up comedy, written lots of poems, overcame lots of anxiety, accepted that I'm going to be alone forever, then fell...2021-06-0750 min
BeeNowComing back to self with Jessie BeeNow podcast, Episode 52Born in Chengdu, Ms. Wanjie Chen (Jessie) is a seasoned Psychotherapist and devotes herself to helping people build positive relationships with themselves, others, and the world. She’s a clinical counselor at Global Doctor (Chengdu) and Light-up Family Centre where she specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Satir Family Therapy, and Group Therapy. With a Master’s in Psychology and over 5000 clinical hours, she has been leading many workshops on communication and self-growth in hospitals, schools, and enterprises for over 10 years. Jessie believes that a good relationship is the best nutrition for...2021-05-1129 min
BeeNowshape of mood with Coco BeeNow podcast, Episode 51Born in Chengdu, Coco Min Zhu is freelancer illustrator. She collaborates with both editorials and commercial brands making comics, graphic novels, patterns, posters, commercial illustrations etc. Her clients include TAIKOOLI, STARBUCKS, L'OREAL, NESTLE, TENCENT, YANLORDI etc. In 2018, she created her own design brand called Shameless.In this episode, Coco and I talk about childhood, growing up, and her journey in becoming a designer and comedian. We also explore the importance of confidence, finding inspiration, and the meaning of home. 2021-04-2635 min
BeeNowShaping the space inside with Robert BeeNow podcast, Episode 50Robert is an investor and entrepreneur. In 2016 he founded DiQuJia, a Chengdu-based interior design company that provides full-service solutions that are modern and affordable for urban young people. He believes decoration can be a fun thing. Robert and I met some years ago at Startup Weekend where he was mentoring teams. At first contact, I could feel his warmth and generosity and it makes me happy to have this chat about space. 2021-04-1622 min
BeeNowExploring mental health with Henry BeeNow podcast, Episode 49Henry He is a local Sichuan who lived half of his life aboard. He was a hospital-based counselor, mental health educator, and registered clinical nurse (Psychiatry) in Australia for over 10 years. Henry is also the founder of The MINDCARE Project, a mental health service platform in Chengdu, which provides educational programs, training, workshops on stress management, mental health awareness, depression/anxiety prevention, and mental health first-aid. He believes real health is not only someone’s physical health or financial/social status but also the level of happiness in his/her inner world.2021-03-2427 min
BeeNowAccepting the change with Ree BeeNow podcast, Episode 48Born and raised in Chengdu, Ree is a Mandarin teacher at Rainbow Mandarin. Aside from her passion for culture-exchange, she also makes jewelry and likes to explore her life in a fun way. She believes there is no problem that a tasty meal can‘t solve. In this episode, Ree and I talk about self-acceptance and share stories of belonging, parents, and how nobody is perfect. The conversation also raised a question on what it means to take something seriously. We're reminded of a saying in American...2021-03-1223 min
BeeNow"This feels right" with Max Denny BeeNow podcast, Episode 47Max Denny is a chill creative who has been living in Chengdu since 2017. He is a university teacher, drummer for several local bands including Mirror Garden, Apollo 20, and Cornerstone. He is also co-founder of the mobile cocktail bar Road Dog Cocktails (醉狗鸡尾酒).In this episode, Max and I talk about life in Chengdu with homies, intuitions, and creative projects. We share childhood stories and explore the value of having obsessions in life. Also, a question was raised: given that memory can be shady and unreliable, how do we stay honest with ou...2021-01-3126 min
BeeNowGiving what they value with Harri Sheffer BeeNow podcast, Episode 46Harri Sheffer is a Design Strategist from London, who now calls Chengdu her home. She believes in the power of creativity, community, coffee, and cats. Harri is the Co-Founder of the Chengdu Women in Business Network, a partner at Chengdu-Expat, and a board member of the British Chamber of Commerce SW China. She is also the Creative Director of Studio Hu 糊画设计工作室, a design firm that specializes in branding and design strategy. In this episode, Harri talks about good and bad design, staying inspired, and the role of empathy when work...2020-07-1634 min
BeeNowAn entrepreneur's journey with a rooftop bar BeeNow podcast, Episode 45Having lived in Chengdu for more than 8 years, Vas is a local veteran who has been involved with a number of local, community events and runs his own weekly event, Chengdu Film Society. He ran Berlin Haus for 2 years and recently closed that chapter of his life.In this episode, Vas shares his journey with building Berlin Haus, which was has been a work and entertainment space for local creatives. Berlin Haus has been a go-to spot for comedy nights, music nights, movie nights, and other nigh...2020-06-3029 min
BeeNowCuriosity and optimism for a design leader with Momo Estrella BeeNow podcast, Episode 44Momo Estrella is a design executive based in Shanghai since 2010. He has worked across corporate, consulting, and startup setups in leadership roles where he has defined the foundations and set the capabilities to sustain human-centered innovation. He has worked at companies like EF Education First, Imagination, Publicis Sapient, IDEO. He currently serves as the Design Director / Head of UX at IKEA.In exploring design, creativity, and leadership, I couldn't ask for a better guest. In this chat, Momo talks about his journey as a designer, the i...2020-06-2036 min
BeeNowInfant on the floor with Nicole TooMuch BeeNow podcast, Episode 43Nicole TooMuch has performed bitterly hilarious standup across China for several years. She takes a deeper look into the grim parts of life and teases out the fun. She also teaches Chinese and studies Psychology.I met Nicole through Chengdu Comedy and now she teaches me Chinese. With her dark humor, I couldn't ask for a better guest for the podcast. In this episode, Nicole shares why happiness is boring and the importance of questioning everything. She goes into why she does stand...2020-06-0435 min
BeeNowHome, youth, and visa stories with Edd BeeNow podcast, Episode 42From his colorful second-hand clothes to his crafty storytelling, it's no mystery that Edd is a unique cat. In this chat, Edd talks about the importance of taking the time to make a home your own. He shares the tale of installing a bum gun in his bathroom with a golden hose. We riff on funny encounters with locals and share a few visa stories, one where Edd proudly fishes through the trash bin looking for a receipt at the Chinese visa office in Hong Kong. He also...2020-05-2521 min
BeeNowDrama, imagination, self, with Xiaolong Chen BeeNow podcast, Episode 41 Born and raised in Chengdu, Xiaolong Chen has been teaching drama since 2017. He did not set out to be a drama teacher but with a twist of fate, he became one and he is now part of this new and emerging field in Chinese education. He says, "I am not the most creative person but as a drama instructor, I'm constantly inspired by the originality I see from my students."Xiaolong and I met last year at an adult drama class in Chengdu. We got to know ea...2020-05-1828 min
BeeNowDesign, purpose, creativity with Yin Wang BeeNow podcast, Episode 40Born in Chengdu, Yin Wang left for NYC when he was 9 years old. He was a graphic designer in NYC for 8 years before deciding to go on a backpacking trip through Europe and Asia. After about a year of traveling, he ran out of money and ended up back in Chengdu. He met Jonny and they upstarted Shed Studio, a full-service media company, Yin being the Creative Director.In this passionate conversation, Yin shares his startup journey, creative process, and inspirations during his travels. He shares how...2020-05-0126 min
BeeNowReclaim your creative self, with Katie Mansfield BeeNow podcast, Episode 39This episode is with my good friend Katie Mansfield. Katie Mansfield is a Ph.D. candidate in Expressive Arts and Conflict Transformation with the European Graduate School in Switzerland. She and I first met as classmates in the gigantic Swiss Alps. Katie's research focuses on the power of embodied, expressive arts-based learning for building resilience. She works as the lead trainer for the Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) program within Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. She has...2020-04-1726 min
BeeNowCreating a healing presence, with Jerome Gross BeeNow podcast, Episode 38
Jerome Gross has been a longtime friend and teacher in yoga and healing. He sat down with me from his living room in San Diego for a quick chat. In this episode, Jerome shares his journey as a healing practitioner and his unique process in helping people resolve physical and emotional pain.
Much of Jerome's teaching is about trusting the self and recruiting the body's ability to heal itself. The conversation explores the body's stress response and the inner workings of the nervous system.
Jerome Gross currently describes himself as a mind-body health and fitness coach and...2020-04-0624 min
BeeNowObserve your inner truth, with Shing-shing BeeNow podcast, Episode 37
Shing-Shing currently lives in Chengdu and works at a tech training unicorn company. She discovered her multi-passion for education, business, and technology after college. With lessons along the way, she started the "internal" journey through meditation.
In this episode, Shing-shing shares her recent experience with a 10day meditation course called Vipassana, which is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. The term Vipassana means seeing things as they are, and the technique highlights the mind-body connection by maintaining attention to physical sensations.
Shing shares her health journey, why she decided to try Vipassana, her challenges with...2020-03-2828 min
BeeNowA fitness journey with Billy Wong BeeNow podcast, Episode 36
Billy Wong is Co-founder of the branding agency Brandjoy, specialized in brand identity and interior design. He is also a functional movement practitioner as part of his fitness training. He has been practicing breathwork and cold shower daily to strengthen his immune system for the past 3 years. He is alive and strong in Cape Town, South Africa, previously living Chengdu.
Billy and I became fast friends with our shared passion for design and mindfulness. In this episode, Billy shares his fitness journey and how he got introduced to the Wim Hof Method, which is a combination of...2020-03-2428 min
BeeNowPsychological safety at work, with Michael Vargas BeeNow podcast, Episode 35
Michael Vargas has an interesting background that spans across Clinical Psychology and theater improv, and he facilitates workshops on leadership and innovation.
In this episode, we explore the concept of psychological safety and what it looks like in the workplace. Michael highlights the power of "showing up" in order to learn faster in connection with others. He also shares how the principles of improv gave him invaluable life lessons.
Michael has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, 15 years of improv experience and over eight years of group facilitation experience, beginning with leadings groups at substance abuse and...2020-02-2226 min
BeeNowOpportunity in the chaos, with Dieter Vanonckelen BeeNow podcast, Episode 33
In this episode, Dieter and I record a phone chat to discuss the latest on the public health state and ways to stay focused and adaptive with the uncertainties.
Feb. 7: Free Online nCov Healthcare Seminar
Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?
Follow the Chengdu-Expat MiniProgram for all the latest updates 2020-02-1818 min
BeeNowLooking with spirit, Sandra C. Obiora BeeNow podcast, Episode 32
Sandra Chukwudumebi Obiora is many things. Aside from winning Chengdu Poetry Slam, she is a lover of God, a PhD student, a Language Enthusiast, an Audio Technician, a Motivational Speaker, an Artist, a Writer, a Lover of tennis and all things Japanese anime…, and among them all, she is a poet, ambitious, and a genuine lover of good writing, art, and photography. Check out Sandra's website at apoetsbrain.com
In this episode, Sandra shares her journey as a poet, her inspirations, and the creative process. For her, poetry is a way of looking at things and recognizing th...2020-02-1831 min
BeeNowDiscussing The Joker with Vas and Damon BeeNow podcast, Episode 31
Vas is the owner of Berlin Haus: Bar & Events and one of the Chengdu Film Society organisers. He graduated from university with a BA degree in Film Studies & Photography + Video. Having lived in Chengdu for 8 years, Vas is a veteran expat and brings a variety of cultural, creative and entertaining events to Berlin Haus for the local community.
Damon helps run Chengdu Film Society and has been involved with movie clubs in one way or another since university.
In this episode, we discuss The joker and how the character of Joker reflects the state of mental health...2020-02-1827 min
BeeNowWriting as seeing with Garrett Jones BeeNow podcast, Episode 30
Garrett H. Jones is an American entrepreneur who has lived in Chengdu for over 12 years. He co-founded Extravagant Yak Tibet Travel Company in 2012 and a marketing and translation company, Perfect English Academic and Business Solutions, in 2019. His wife and four kids think Chengdu is the coolest place to live on the planet.
In this episode, Garret talks about writing as an act of focus and staying in conversation with self. Staying in dialogue is what makes the writing process a living and breathing thing. He describes the magic of journaling as a way for mental clarity and...2020-02-1825 min
BeeNowConfidently present with Quinton Sutton BeeNow Podcast, Episode 29
Quinton Sutton is a young Drama teacher from South Africa who has been living and working in Chengdu for 4 years. He teaches a monthly hilarious Improvisation class where players learn the essential skills for everyday life eg. Confidence. Empathy, social skills, listening and most importantly individuality.
In this warm and refreshing chat, Quinton shares on what is improvisation in drama and how it connects people to their individuality as well as to other people. We explore the role of listening and the magic of letting go. What does it mean to be present with others in a...2020-02-1824 min
BeeNowCreating more flow with Sophia Kidd BeeNow Podcast, Episode 28
簡介：Dr. Sophia Kidd, art critic, independent curator, performance artist, Sichuan University Associate Research Fellow 康書雅博士: 批評家、獨立策展人、現場藝術家、四川大學副研究員
In this episode, we explore the multi-disciplinary nature of her work and how she draws inspiration from frictions and contradictions. Sophia talks about her Mind Valley quest, which is to create more flow states of mind. She also shares her listmaking method and other ways of connecting with a higher purpose and emotional wellbeing.
2020-02-1818 min
BeeNowPoop, balance, and emotions, with Ryan Friesen BeeNow Podcast, Episode 27
Ryan Friesen is an English teacher and part-time guide for Chengdu Food Tours from Winnipeg, Canada. His interest in Sichuan food brought him to Chengdu and it's a big reason why he has been here for 4-5 years.
A friend, foodie, and storyteller, Ryan joins me for a chat. He shares his journey from being bored selling insurance to finding a passion for Sichuan cuisine. We share Sichuan poop stories, one where he gets gassy on the bus. We've all been there.
He also shares on experiencing growth as a foreigner in China. What does life balance...2020-02-1829 min
BeeNowThe urge for jokes, with Tim Biglowe BeeNow Podcast, Episode 26
Tim Biglowe is a stand-up comedian who arrived in Chengdu at the beginning of 2019. He's from England and he loves writing in the third person. He truly is one of a kind. While stocks last. Batteries not included. Terms and conditions apply.
He wrote that introduction himself .. in the third person.
In this episode, Tim and I talk about his journey as a comedian - how he got started and the growth along the way. We explore his writing process and how he found happiness in his method. He also shares on the welcoming vibe in Chengdu's...2020-02-1823 min
BeeNowCompelled to create, with Jacob Wanuch BeeNow Podcast, Episode 25
Jacob Wanuch is an English teacher from Canada. He's an amateur writer and a recreational artist.
A call to create inspired Jacob towards China; that and paying the bills. He shares his journey as a writer and staying inspired as a creative. With Chengdu's flourishing literary scene, there is no shortage of inspiration and passion projects. Finding balance and not getting burned out is an ongoing dance.
The conversation also touches on self-reflection and wellbeing when we are compelled to create. 2020-02-1827 min
BeeNowUnfinished and growing, with Barclay Bram BeeNow Podcast, Episode 24
Barclay Bram is a PhD candidate at Oxford University’s School of Overseas and Global Area Studies. He is doing ethnographic work on mental health in China. He is also a writer and photographer whose work has appeared in the London Review of Books, Wired, Vice, Dazed, etc.
The conversation explores the complexities of mental health and the connection between the mind and body. He goes on to talk about mindfulness as a modern phenomenon and as a tool that does not serve everyone all the time, which speaks to the heart of mindfulness itself that is to...2020-02-1826 min
BeeNowA touch of care with Wenwen and Tim BeeNow Podcast, Episode 23
Wenwen is Co-founder of LookAfter, a psychological health center in Chengdu. With Tim as a senior counselor at LookAfter, the three of us discussed the state of mental health in china. We explored ways of diagnosis and treatment, the need for qualified mental health professionals, and the existing government support that enables mental health education.
We also explored effective ways of dealing with stress, staying aware of unconscious emotions, and the calming effects of mindful eating. Also included in the conversation were critical topics such as trauma, emotional resilience, and daily skills for better mental health. 2020-02-1429 min
BeeNowProcess of now with Penney Percival Penney Percival, also known as Lady P, is here to understand, not to be understood. Trying to live the best life humanly possible, with harm to none, and aligning her thoughts, feelings, and actions. A work in progress.
On this episode, we talk about the upcoming Poetry Slam in Chengdu, her inspirations towards China, and her journey as a creative. We also discussed stepping back from mental habits and finding ourselves again and again in the now.
2020-02-1420 min
BeeNowThe Journey Within BeeNow Podcast, Episode 21
The Journey Within is a unique wellness course being offered by Jen and Arya in Chengdu. This podcast episode is an open chat while providing some details about the course. If you like to sign up or have any questions, please contact us through the QR code below.
2020-02-1424 min
BeeNowA wider of view of Chengdu with Dieter Vanonckelen BeeNow Podcast, Episode 20
Dieter Vanonckelen is a Belgian entrepreneur with a portfolio of startups in Chengdu including Chengdu-Expat, The Beer Nest, Munchwich, Startup Weekend, Dilaoban, and More Magazine. He is a connector of people and ideas, and a startup enthusiast with his share of failures. In midst of all this, he also runs Marathons.
After living a year in South America, he obtained his Masters in Sinology (the study of Chinese language, history, customs, and politics) at Leuven University. He has now been living in China for 10 years. Something I admire about Dieter is his optimism and a broad view...2020-02-1426 min
BeeNowThe power of surrender with Maayan Levy BeeNow Podcast, Episode 19
"Courage is a love affair with the unknown."
- Osho
Ma'ayan is an Israeli entrepreneur operating in China since 2013. Among her portfolio of startups, she is the Co-founder of the 'Chengdu Woman in Business Network' and 'Home Base' a company working towards developing a more eco-friendly fashion industry. She also teaches Yoga and is passionate about the world's spiritual traditions which advocate holistic wellbeing.
On this episode, we talk about mindset, self-awareness, vulnerability, and the value of difficult times. As was discussed, stress is unavoidable but its sources we can examine and adjust. She emphasizes the vitality...2020-02-1424 min
BeeNowConnecting with intuition with Osama Zaid BeeNow Podcast, Episode 17
"There is a voice that doesn't use words, listen."
- Rumi, Persian poet
Osama Zayed is on an exploration journey that started a few years ago in Egypt. He considers the world as West and East and right now he is in the oriental world of the East. He humbly thinks that China has a totally different perspective. For him, learning Chinese is a step toward understanding how people perceive life here, and maybe help him understand how people as a whole perceive life.
On this episode, we talk about aligning with the Taoist principle of Wu...2020-02-1323 min
BeeNowThe Tao of boredom, with Yilin BeeNow Podcast, Episode 14
A joy to chat with Yilin, world traveler and Chengdu local. We talked about the connection between Taoism and Chinese mythology and how personal experience can be refreshingly boring. 2020-02-1312 min
BeeNowWork smart with Erik Ackner Erik Ackner is an experienced entrepreneur, mentor, and an avid cyclist. In Chengdu's startup community, he is known for throwing up big events like Startup Weekend and Startup Grind. Erik activates people to make cool things and his enthusiasm is contagious. When I asked him, "what drives you to do so much?" He said, "because it's fun!"
Since his recent return back to Berlin, I had a chance to sit down with Erik to talk about his personal journey as an entrepreneur, his ideas on work-life balance, mentorship, and a simple method to achieve greater focus. Zebras and unicorns also...2019-04-1529 min