This podcast provides you with inspirational ancient wisdom that still applies today. We share stories of our ancestors and explain in-depth the meanings behind those savvy and motivating quotes. We dig deep so that you'll know exactly how to use it! Let the old wisdom guide your way!
Latest episodes
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5 min
Bonus episode: The key to running a country is to first enrich the people
In the traditional Chinese philosophy of governance, the people are considered the foundation of the country. Only when the people prosper can the country prosper. This is classic…
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5 min
Bonus episode: As long as the fundamental principles are upheld, all work will fall into place
This saying captures the logic behind China's political system today and explains why the country can accomplish megaprojects like the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. In th…
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17 min
Bonus Episode: Talk with Professor Steve Roddy on Old Wisdom New Insights Season 3
Surprise! One more episode! In this show, Niuniu talks with Professor Steve Roddy from University of San Francisco about all of the five historical figures of this season. Join the…
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16 min
The most incorruptible official in China's Qing Dynasty
What do you think are the most important qualities of a good government official? Competence? Foresight? Integrity? As for the star of this show, he has the title of being "the mos…
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13 min
Bonus Episode: Q&A with Professor Steve Roddy on Author of China's 'A Thousand and One Nights'
In this episode, Niuniu continues her conversation with Professor Steve Roddy from University of San Francisco about Feng Menglong. Did you know that besides being an accomplished…
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14 min
Author of China's 'A Thousand and One Nights' Part 2
What do you consider as the most decisive factor for success? Ability? Timing? Resources? Or outside support? All of the above are certainly important, but in Chinese, there's a sa…
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14 min
Author of China's 'A Thousand and One Nights' Part 1
Feng Menglong from the late Ming Dynasty was all of the following: a famous historian, an exceptional novelist and poet. His Sanyan trilogy of vernacular Chinese short story collec…
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13 min
A great reformer with a controversial personality Part 2
How would you define success? Become rich? Famous? Or powerful? For our ancient friend Wang Anshi, none of these counted. How did he define success? Listen to the show to find out…
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14 min
A great reformer with a controversial personality Part 1
We all know there are different facets to everyone's personality. Someone could be extremely intelligent, funny, ambitious and totally warmhearted and upright, but at the same time…
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10 min
Bonus Episode: Q&A with Professor Steve Roddy on China's No.1 bamboo painter
A special episode just for you! In this show, Niuniu talks to Professor Steve Roddy from University of San Francisco. As someone who has been studying Chinese culture since the 197…
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14 min
China's No.1 bamboo painter Part 2
In this episode, Zheng Banqiao's story continues. On top of being a great artist, the man was also a diligent official, the kind that would use his own money to help the people. Sp…
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14 min
China's No.1 bamboo painter Part 1
What would a rustling and beautiful bamboo forest remind you of? Adorable pandas? Or the Oscar-winning martial arts epic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? For many Chinese people, ba…
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13 min
Northern Song Dynasty's top KOL Part 3
What is your understanding of inner peace? In Chinese, there is a saying "不以物喜, 不以己悲," which means "not to be affected emotionally by the material world, and not to be overly gladd…
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13 min
Northern Song Dynasty's top KOL Part 2
One of Fan Zhongyan's most famous sayings is "先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐, which means "to be the first to bear the world's hardship, and the last to enjoy its comforts." As someone who was no…
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13 min
Northern Song Dynasty's top KOL Part 1
What makes an influencer truly influential? Different people might have different answers. But one thing is for sure - if someone's article can turn a place into a popular tourist…
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2 min
Season 3 trailer
Same podcast, same high quality of content! This season, we'll bring to you cool Chinese sayings, thought-provoking old wisdom and sharp new insights! A new voice will join the sho…
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12 min
A cool father, great educator and history-making revolutionary Part 2
What makes a good parent? Showing loving care? Being patient? Playing an exemplary role? Or all the above and much more? It is impressive enough to raise one successful child, let…
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13 min
A cool father, great educator and history-making revolutionary Part 1
In your culture, what is the most well-known metaphor for youth? The one in Chinese would be a rising sun. For instance, "the red rising sun will light up the road ahead" describes…
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8 min
China's first patriotic poet Part 4
Have you ever played in a dragon boat race? Or have you tried sticky rice dumplings? Both of these can be experienced during China's Dragon Boat Festival or Duanwu Festival. It is…
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8 min
China's first patriotic poet Part 3
Qu Yuan's story continues in this episode. Why was he considered the first poet ever? Why was his patriotism especially rare and valuable at the time? What were the most signature…