China Unpacked
China Unpacked
Podcast Description
China Unpacked brings you the human side of China - beyond the headlines and politics.
From comedians, creators to entrepreneurs, chefs, and cultural insiders, each episode unpacks stories of identity, ambition, and creativity, and what it’s really like to live in one of the world’s most misunderstood and fast-evolving countries.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of identity, ambition, and the creative landscape within China, featuring guests from diverse backgrounds including comedians and cultural contributors. Episodes like 'The Untold Story of China’s Most Famous Comedian' highlight the journey of Joe Wong, focusing on his transition from biochemistry to stand-up comedy and the nuances of performing in China, while others such as 'How China's Viral Trump Impersonator Bridges US and China through Comedy' explore the cultural significance of viral internet fame.
China Unpacked brings you the human side of China – beyond the headlines and politics.
From comedians, creators to entrepreneurs, chefs, and cultural insiders, each episode unpacks stories of identity, ambition, and creativity, and what it’s really like to live in one of the world’s most misunderstood and fast-evolving countries.
Meet Craig Hickerson, an American filmmaker documenting everyday life in China through cinematic mini-documentaries.
After moving from the U.S. to China, Craig began capturing the small, ordinary moments most people walk past — a flower on the ground, strangers in the park, public dances, local habits, and the quiet details of daily life. He posted these videos on Chinese social media platform under the name ‘Craig也叫快克’ and quickly grew a following. Over time, filming China did more than change his work. It changed how he sees people, culture, America, and himself.
This week on China Unpacked, Craig opens up about why he left America for China, how his filmmaking style evolved from camera tutorials into cultural storytelling, and why the most meaningful stories often come from simply paying attention. His story is a reminder that seeing the world through fresh eyes can help us better understand others — and ourselves.
We Talk About
-What pushed him and his wife to take a chance on living in China
-How Craig’s original plan in China changed after unexpected barriers forced him to pivot creatively
-How moving to China changed the way Craig sees America, public space, transportation, and community
-The surreal experience of being recognized and followed by fans in public while living in China
-Why Craig believes genuine curiosity can help people see beyond stereotypes Craig’s long-term vision for documenting his life in China — and how his journey may become a much bigger story over time
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