Tell Craig Your Story

Episode 116 - Please welcome to the podcast the very talented and beautiful Maria Kovalova. Born in Kiev Ukraine, she moved to Shanghai China at a young age where she was studying, singing and a Astrologer,. Maria is an amazing vocalist and you can see videos on her Instagram.

But she has come onto the podcast to talk about her 2022. Maria was back visiting her family in the Ukraine during the start of the tragic Russian War. She tells her story about how Maria and her family escaped. She ran into more troubles along the way in Portugal, moving to the Maldives, deported to Thailand, then Sri Lanka, before finally arriving back in China at the end of last year.

Instagram- marsha_all_about Wechat- Masune4ka

Episode 114 - I'm honoured to welcome to the podcast the beautiful and talented Pro Wrestler, Model and Artist Jessica Elaban. Born in Austin Texas USA, she graduated at Concordia Uni Texas while playing Volleyball at a state level.

Jessica signed to the WWE / NXT in 2017 and made her first match on the October 7th. She has wrestled under the name of Jessi Kamea and has worked with some of the biggest names in the WWE women's division including Rhea Ripley, Shayna Baszler, Liz Morgan, Bianca Belair. 2021 she was released from WWE and is currently a pro wrestler on the Independent scene in Florida.

In 2022 Jessica was Maximmag Covergirl Quarter Finalist and her art work has been featured in the Orlando Museum of Art . She is in a relationship with AEW Superstar Swerve Strickland.

Episode 113- 2 weeks ago, I was just about to go to bed when suddenly, I get all these messages that Metallica have released a new single Lux Aeterna, a new album "72 Seasons" due out next April and new M72 World Tour for 2023 and 2024. What better way to get back founder of the "Metclub/ Legacy Members Unofficial Page" Jason Aird to talk all things METALLICA.

Jason has just come back from 2 tours with Metallica in the USA and Europe. We discuss the big questions especially for Australian and Japanese fans, why no dates on the M72 tour? Insane tickets prices? The longevity and health of the band? Metallica cancelling a show in Europe?  Special show celebrating Jonny, and Marsha Zazula, support bands and many great stories.

Episode 112- Please welcome to the podcast the very talented musician Kirk Kenney. Born in St Petersburg Florida USA, Kirk has a major in Education Technology. For over a decade, he has been the leading figure in American Folk Music in China, using his music to bridge the gap in the cultural divides and create positive energy when playing live. 2016 he was awarded a full grant from the US State Department of Cultural programming in China.

Kirk has recorded on Fiddle, Guitar, Banjo and Dulcimer and has played with bands The Hutong Yellow, The Mountain High, China first old time square dance band, China's "Poet Rocket/ Zhang Chu" and recording with Rockabilly group "Rolling Bowling. He has also performed with the JZ band. Kirk is an avid music educator, coordinating international musicians visiting China and organises music camps and events.

The 2 songs we heard on the podcast were "Candy Girl' and "Shady Little Grove"

Episode 111 - Please welcome to the podcast, Shamanic Healer Inen Vai. Born in Lima Peru, now residing in Shanghai China, Inen holds degrees in Education and Law/ Political Science.. He has been a mindful meditation practitioner since 2014. In 2017 Inen begin to study biomagnetism therapy. In 2018 he was empowered in the Shamanic Inca Lineage by Maria Apaza in the mountains of Paucartambo Cusco in Peru.

After many year of practice and healing Inen has developed a unique healing technique which combines ancient Andean musical instruments. Inen has his own study in Shanghai and has healing and drums classes available. Inen invited me to his studio to talk about his Sharmanic story.

Wechat @InenVaiSH @ShamanicHeart Instagram @inenvaisharman

Episode 110 - Please welcome to the podcast the amazingly talented  Interdisciplinary Artist Redic. His current Art Exhibition- The Prelude to Rubies In The Rubble, The Humanity Chapters of Redic. An empowerment exhibition experience, is now showing at the Shanghai Culture Square, until Chinese new year. Then Redic will take his Art exhibition to tour Europe. The exhibition has been 12 years in the making.

Born in Chicago USA, now residing in Shanghai China, Redic graduated at the prestigious Morehouse College. With 20 years experience as an Artist, Redic combines singing, music, poetry to make an original Art display. Redic has been a Visual Artist, Performing Artist, Producer and Designer. He has worked with some of the most high profile celebrities in the music industry. The 2 tracks we heard on the podcast were- "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "A Change Has Come".

Part 2 - Please welcome to the podcast the very talent lead vocalist of the Pearl Theatre's house band Ksenia Kokhaney. Ksenia, born in Birobidzhan, Jewish autonomous Region, Russia, she begun singing at an early age wanting to perform any chance she could. She joined a rock band and they moved to China.

After a few years of playing in different cities in China, Owner of The Pearl Theatre Grant Oh signed the band to be the house band. They then moved to Shanghai. Ksenia is a professional vocalist and one of the most talented singers in Shanghai, as her range of styles are on display at The Pearl. Ksenia performs tribute shows which include- AcDc, Metallica, Queen, ABBA, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Nirvana, Green Day, Pink Floyd, Linkin Park, Ed Sheeran.

@kseniskokhaney @thepearlshanghai

Episode 108 - Part 1 - Please welcome to the podcast the very talent lead vocalist of the Pearl Theatre's house band Ksenia Kokhaney. Ksenia, born in Birobidzhan, Jewish autonomous Region, Russia, she begun singing at an early age wanting to perform any chance she could. She joined a rock band and they moved to China.

After a few years of playing in different cities in China, Owner of The Pearl Theatre Grant Oh signed the band to be the house band. They then moved to Shanghai. Ksenia is a professional vocalist and one of the most talented singers in Shanghai, as her range of styles are on display at The Pearl. Ksenia performs tribute shows which include- AcDc, Metallica, Queen, ABBA, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Nirvana, Green Day, Pink Floyd, Linkin Park, Ed Sheeran.

@kseniskokhaney @thepearlshanghai

Episode 107 - Please welcome to the podcast the very talented Stand Up Comedian Li Ying. Born on a farm in China now residing in Shanghai. Ying a strong independent woman paints vivid pictures of her rural upbringing, Malaysian Islands and "first world problems" in megacity Shanghai, via her jokes.

Ying has risen very quickly in the Shanghai comedy scene and has seen her perform in Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Nanjing. In 2021 Ying won the English Stand up New Faces Award. She also hosts the Comedy open mic night at the Cotton Restaurant supporting up and coming Comedians.

@LYATUM @liying596

Part 2 - Please welcome to the podcast the very talented visual artist, producer and DJ, Rachel McInerney. Born in New Jersey USA, she graduated from Art School in Pennsylvania. She moved to Shanghai in 2018 and went on to collaborate with pop punk band Fliphouse, doing vocals on the second studio album and touring China in 2021.

Rachel formed shoe-gaze and techno band Snuff Disco and have 2 members of Fliphouse. She also does a DJ set under the name Gargoyle Girlfriend. 

@gargoylegirlfriend

Part 1 - Please welcome to the podcast the very talented visual artist, producer and DJ, Rachel McInerney. Born in New Jersey USA, she graduated from Art School in Pennsylvania. She moved to Shanghai in 2018 and went on to collaborate with pop punk band Fliphouse, doing vocals on the second studio album and touring China in 2021.

Rachel formed shoe-gaze and techno band Snuff Disco and have 2 members of Fliphouse. She also does a DJ set under the name Gargoyle Girlfriend. The track you heard at the start of the podcast was "Take Back" by Snuff Disco.

@gargoylegirlfriend

Episode 104- Please welcome to the podcast the very talented Marketing Director Errol Vas. Born in Alberta Canada, now residing in Hangzhou China, Errol has risen to the top in the Marketing field. Having majors in Art and Marketing, At 23, he started his own business and made 35k in the first month.

He now has large accounts in USA, Australia, China, Malaysia and India. Errol features in Tech Magazines, podcasts, radio shows and conferences. The Daly Tech Cup lists Errol as one of the top digital marketing professionals. Kuwara Magazine said Errol is the leading Marketing mind in China.  Here he shares some tips on marketing for bands and musicians and many great stories. www.errolvas.com

Episode 103 - Please welcome to the podcast the talented business owner of "Oxford English" Jonny Morgan. Born in England now living in Shanghai China, he graduated in a Master of Education at Oxford University. He has taught English in Spain and China having taught students of all ages.

When I met Jonny last year he was the Academic Co-Ordinator before deciding this year to resign and focus on his new business. He provides services to Chinese students who are preparing for exams, university assessments and moving to the UK for studies. He currently has 85,000 followers on his Chinese social medias.

Here we talk about the British Monarchy, the Shanghai lockdown, Roman Emperors, vinyl and his passion for Education and teaching. @jmspqr

Xiaohongshu (小红书）
• username: JonnyOxford
• Chinese name: 莫仲贤

Episode 102- Please Welcome to the podcast the very talented 17 year old musician Piper Butcher. Piper was born and raised in Newcastle Australia, she has won numerous awards including best talent and the new star award.

Piper has a passion for playing music and started busking up and down the east coast of Australia. Adding original songs to her set she combines a mix of blues, rock and country Piper played at the Country Music Awards in Tamworth Australia and the Byron Bay Blues Fest. She has performed with the who's who of Australian music including You Am I, Richard Clapton, Kasey Chambers and Diesel.

The 2 tracks you heard on the podcast were Haunting Your Thoughts and Soul Into Sand, off her debut E.P titled "September" and was number 1 on the ITunes alternative charts. @piperbutcher

Today we are doing something different for this episode, an online podcast to discuss the topic- "The Shanghai lockdown 2022". Here to discuss this are Josh Pemberton from England, Jason Schaller from Canada and Ceci Zhang from China. All the guests were living in Shanghai during this period.

Hear about how they survived this hardcore lockdown, being in lockdown at a school and having to sleep there, getting married online, creating a Shanghai entertainment video game and some amazing stories

At the end of the podcast I briefly explain how I left Shanghai during the lockdown and then how I have returned.

We are back after a 2 month break!!!!! Please welcome to the podcast Edgar Choi. Edgar has grown a very popular law firm in Shenzhen, catering for the foreign (teaching) community in China, helping them with Commercial and Labour Law cases.

Born in Hong Kong, he graduated at the Fudan University Law School. Edgar has published 2 books "Intellectual Property, Commercial Company and Economic Law In A Minute and Co-Author of Peking University Textbook Business Ethics.

Episode 99- One more episode to go! Please welcome to the podcast the very talented award winning Artist Skye Elizabeth James. Born in Tamworth now living in Newcastle Australia. Skye has studied photography and has had a passion for creating amazing art work. The creation of Art Side Of The Moon, Skye gets inspiration from personal experiences and has had the ideas for fund raising for non profit organisations and groups to raise awareness for domestic violence and mental health. "Art practise has been a place of personal healing and gives me a voice and purpose"

Episode 98- Please welcome to the podcast, Founder of Pops Gaming in Shanghai, Julie Popelka.  Born in Chicago USA, Julie grew up in a musical household and pursued the arts throughout her schooling. After university and four years of teaching music in Houston, Texas, she decided to move to Shanghai as a music teacher in 2018.

Pops Gaming was born in January 2021, with a small birthday party at a sushi restaurant with sushi themed games. Since then it has grown into a massive community of folks, both offline and online, connecting over a myriad of events and forms of gaming.

Currently, you can attend to play not only board games, but also video game tournaments, traditional Chinese games, tabletop roleplaying games, board games online, and even pub quizzes! @popsgamingsh

Episode 97- I love these podcasts where you can feel the passion and dedication to live music and entertainment. Please welcome Carol Jin. Born in Shanghai, China, Carol has worked in the music industry for 7 years. She graduated from Shanghai Conservatory of Music majoring in Arts management in 2018. She did internships including the National Arts Center Canada and Mercedes-Benz Arena Shanghai. She was also the part-time stage hand at MAO Livehouse Shanghai when she was 19.

After graduating from university, she joined Live Nation, the biggest live entertainment company in the world, for almost 3 years, doing events operations. She assisted organizing concerts for artists such as Charlie Puth, Mariah Carey, Troye Sivan.

In 2021, after taking 2-month break in Dali, China (where I met Carol), She worked as the tour manager for 2 Taiwanese bands, KST and Fool & Idiot, organizing 42 shows in 5 months. Instagram @caroljin_0720

Episode 96- Excited to welcome to the podcast musician Stu Rudd, bass player for one of my favourite Australian rock bands The Superjesus. Stu born in Adelaide South Australia, he played a few instruments and was apart of forming the band in 94. They released their first EP Eight Step Rail in 97 and won 2 ARIA Awards.

In 98 the band recorded their first studio album Sumo to rave reviews and toured internationally. It received platinum status and the band won an ARIA award for best rock band.

Next album Jet Age in 2000 also went platinum and had arguably the bands biggest hit "Gravity". Stu along with vocalist Sarah McLeod were inducted into the South Australia music hall of fame. The band continues to record and tour around the world and Stu is also involved with side projects including Crown Jewels. @sturudd @the_superjesus www.thesuperjesus.com

"Gravity" Live performed by The Superjesus (Written by Sarah Mcleod)  Warner Music Australia

Dania graduated from the NYU majoring in Performing Arts and in 2013 she moved with her family to Shanghai to pursue her career. She has worked in "Sha Fu Club" Shanghai International Festival, "I Want To Fly With You" Shanghai Drama Center, Black Cat Sheriff original music, Shanghai Music Week and Shanghai Auto Show.

In 2021 Dania created the Red Box company which was a dining musical cabaret show. She brings some of the best performs from China to Shanghai to join her team. On the 1st of December Red Box announced that they will have a partnership with The Pearl Theatre and will perform their Cabaret Musical show every Thursday. Instagram @daniagu Wechat: Red Box Stage.

Our sponsor for this podcast is Will's Tailor Shop. Contact Janet on +8615601812795 to book an appointment. www.shu-jin.com

Part 1- Please give a warm welcome to the very talented Creative Director of the Red Box, Dania Gu. Born in Taipei Taiwan, China, she has directed 10 more then 10 plays including "Accompany You To The End" "Dream Dream" "That Period Of Time in the  Cuckoo's Nest".

Dania graduated from the NYU majoring in Performing Arts and in 2013 she moved with her family to Shanghai to pursue her career. She has worked in "Sha Fu Club" Shanghai International Festival, "I Want To Fly With You" Shanghai Drama Center, Black Cat Sheriff original music, Shanghai Music Week and Shanghai Auto Show.

In 2021 Dania created the Red Box company which was a dining musical cabaret show. She brings some the best performs from China to Shanghai to join her team. On the 1st of December Red Box announced that they will have a partnership with The Pearl Theatre and will perform their Cabaret Musical show every Thursday. Instagram @daniagu Wechat: Red Box Stage.

Our sponsor for this podcast is Will's Tailor Shop. For all your high end quality tailor made suits created by Mr Zhou. With 6 shop throughout China, the main shop is on Hunan Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai. Speak to Janet who will be available to cater to all your requirements to look your best.

Episode 93- Its an absolute honour to welcome to the podcast World Pro Surfer Luke Egan. Born in Newcastle Australia, he started learning how to surf at the age of 7 years old as a member of the Merewether Board Riding club with the guidance of his father Sam Egan. Sam used to own a family surf shop in Newcastle is still creating high quality surf boards.

Luke was apart of the ASP World Tour for 22 years and won 4 world tour events- 1997 Quicksilver Pro, 2000 Quicksilver Pro Bali, 2002 Boost Mobile Pro and 2004 Billabong Pro Manduka. Luke was runner up in the 2000 season and top 5 in 5 seasons. He has featured in surfing movies throughout his career.

In 2005 Luke retired from Pro surfing and was the Marketing Manager Director for Billabong. In 2008 he was the Elite coach for World Championship Surfer Joel Parkinson. Luke's wife Jessica Yates is a Sporting Presenter for Fox Sports. @lukeegan www.lukeegan.com

It's been over 1 years since he was last on the show, but it's now time to talk all things Metallica with the Founder of Metclub/Legacy Members Unofficial Fan page Jason Aird. Jason has recently come back from attending the 40th Anniversary shows in San Francisco and he talks about these amazing shows.

We also talk about the current and upcoming tour to South America and Europe, Will they tour Australia?, the release of the 30 years remastered Black Album, will Metallica bring out a new album this year?, What Sir Elton John said about the song Nothing Else Matters and many more amazing road stories. @jasaird72

Episode 90 - Please welcome to the podcast Rapper recording artist and producer Carlos Bryant. Born in Stockton California USA, he grew up listening to a broad range of music but rap and hip hop was his go to music. As a teenager Carlos started writing his own material then over the next couple years released numerous EP's including - Like Never Before, Thin Ice, Black, Blue, Khali, Red, Orange, Pink, Yellow and Purple. In 2021 Carlos released his first album "Colour blind".  This year Carlos was featured on the Baby Remix "Lets Get It".

Carlos has also done modelling and is co-owner of the business Plant based. The first track we heard on the podcast was "Electric" and the second track was "Flower" Featuring DJ Kenzo. @carlosbryant209 https://linktr.ee/carlosbryant209

Episode 89- "WE NEED TO HEAR YOU NEWCASTLE" Please welcome to the podcast International Sports Announcer, commentator, MC Glen Hawke. Born in Newcastle Australia, Glen started doing ground announcing for the Hunter Eagles and Newcastle Breakers before becoming the Newcastle Knights ground announcer in 2003. Next season Glen will celebrate his 20 years with the club. He also is the ground announcer for Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles and the Cronulla Shark. Working with the NRL, he is the ground announcer for State Of Origin, Test Matches, Magic Round, Grand Finals.

Since the 2005-06 season Glen has been the ground announcer for the Sydney Cricket Ground which included International test matches, The Ashes Series, One day and T20 matches. This also included the first MLB game where the LA Dodgers played the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He has done commentating and ground announcing at the Olympic Games in Rio Brazil, Tokyo Olympics, the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Glen has also been the ground announcer for the Socceroos at ANZ stadium and friendly games which has seen Liverpool, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, Arsenal and Juventus. @glenhawke

Please welcome to the podcast the very talented Sport / News Media Presenter from Sydney Australia, Jamiee Rodgers. Jamiee born in Michigan USA but spent most of her life in Australia started training for the Olympic games in swimming at the age of 14, but unfortunately due to an injury she was unable to compete.

Jamiee is most recognised for her time working with the Matty Johns Show on Fox League, a presenter on Sky Racing Radio and on the Big Sports Breakfast radio show with Laurie Daley and Michael Clarke, talking sporting news and interviewing the biggest names in sports.

In August 2022 Jamiee will face her biggest challenge to date and swim the English Channel, to raise $50,000 for the gotcha4life charity, which supports mental health awareness and lowering the suicide rate in Australia to zero.

Please welcome to the podcast the very talented singer, song writer, recording artist, poet, theatre performer Jen Someone. Originally from Manilla Philippines, she got her BA in Communication. Learning how to sing and perform live on stage at an early age, Jen made the decision to move to Shanghai to pursue a music career. Jen formed the Electronic band Zhao Dai and recorded a E.P.

Jen was in the lead role Lauren in the musical- Someone the Musical. They performed at the famous Pearl Theatre in Shanghai. She is currently the lead singer for the band Twilight Sanctuary. Instagram @jensomeone

Episode 86- Please welcome to the podcast Chief Executive of the Rugby League Players Association Clint Newton. Clint, the son of legendary golfer Jack Newton is a former NRL star who is most recognised for his 112 games for the Newcastle Knights. He also played with the Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers and English Super League Hull Kingston Rovers, representing NSW Country and USA in the rugby league world cup. Clint won a NRL grand final with the Melbourne Storm in 2007.

Here we talk about his family relationship with the Newcastle Knights, his plans for 2022 as CEO of the RL players association, the real reason why he left the Knights, coach Brian Smith, the phone call with Craig Bellamy, Alex McKinnon, his 12 game suspension, Phil Gould's call to Clint to return to the NRL, his father Jack Newton. @cnewton11 @rlplayers

Roarrrrrrr!!! Please welcome to the podcast Shanghai based Hardcore band Rat King. The band is Billy-bass, Connor- guitar, David- vocals and Mark- drums. They formed from Billy wearing a Black Sabbath t-shirt and played their first show in 2019., The band has continued to develop their sound and live performance and with the addition of new drummer Mark, make Rat King a power house band in the hardcore Shanghai music scene. On stage Rat King are in your face with lots of energy and aggression. The band has toured China and played at hardcore festivals. The plans for the future is to do a tour of China then the rest of the world.

The 2 songs we heard on the podcast were Brain Bug and Eat S#%t And Die. These songs will be on their debut album which will be released soon. Instagram @rat_king_shanghai

Here we talk about why the guys moved to Shanghai? What happened with the firing of the previous drummer on stage at a festival show? Why has the album taken so long to be released?

Part 2- Please welcome to the podcast the very funny and talented comedian Ben Frank. Ben born and raised in Hopkinton USA, he had the opportunity to study Mandarin at school then going to visit China. He had a great career opportunity in Hong Kong then later deciding to move to Shanghai. He started performing at open mic nights and was a regular with Kung Fu Comedy and Peoples Republic of Comedy shows. Ben to date has toured 10 different Asian countries and regularly toured China.

Episode 83 Part 1- Please welcome to the podcast the very funny and talented comedian Ben Frank. Ben born and raised in Hopkinton USA, he had the opportunity to study Mandarin at school then going to visit China. He had a great career opportunity in Hong Kong then later deciding to move to Shanghai. He started performing at open mic nights and was a regular with Kung Fu Comedy and Peoples Republic of Comedy shows. Ben to date has toured 10 different Asian countries and regularly toured China.

Part 2- Please welcome to the podcast the very talented Singer from France Elsa Michanol. Growing up on French music, classical music and Caribbean music, Elsa performed with the Sankofa Unit Gospel Choir and numerous stages in France. She tells us why she moved to Shanghai and her opportunity to appear on France Idol.

Since moving to Shanghai she has carved her name in Shanghai music scene performing regularly as a duo or trio at Jazz bars and clubs. She was lead singer for the Fugee La tribute show to the Fugges at Arkham. She also plays in the band Elsa and the Fungs performing at venues in Shanghai and Jazz festivals around China. Elsa also talks about her podcast, being an artist and doing modelling. Wechat channel- @elsamichanol, Instagram @elsamichanol @elsa_fungs

The sponsor of this podcast is Ringside Boxing Shanghai - Annual Grand Finale Ringside Fight Night November 13th 5.30pm at the Ringside Terrace Shanghai. 12 fights on the card including Muay Thai and International boxing. Tickets are limited so please contact @palikshanova via wechat to book.

Please welcome to the podcast the very talented Singer from France Elsa Michanol. Growing up on French music, classical music and Caribbean music, Elsa performed with the Sankofa Unit Gospel Choir and numerous stages in France. She tells us why she moved to Shanghai and her opportunity to appear on France Idol.

Since moving to Shanghai she has carved her name in Shanghai music scene performing regularly as a duo or trio at Jazz bars and clubs. She was lead singer for the Fugee La tribute show to the Fugges at Arkham. She also plays in the band Elsa and the Fungs performing at venues in Shnaghai and Jazz festivals around China. Elsa also talks about her podcast, being an artist and doing modelling. Wechat channel- @elsamichanol, Instagram @elsamichanol @elsa_fungs

The sponsor of this podcast is Ringside Boxing Shanghai - Annual Grand Finale Ringside Fight Night November 13th 5.30pm at the Ringside Terrace Shanghai. 12 fights on the card including Muay thai and International boxing. Tickets are limited so please contact @palikshanova via wechat to book.

Episode 80- Please welcome to the podcast, Founder of Zmack Improv Curt Mabry and Director of Shanghai Zmack Improv Lilian Shen. Curt originally from Mississippi USA and Lilian originally from the UK now both residing in Shanghai China

Zmack Improv Comedy brand was founded in 2009 and I was lucky enough to see the Zmack Improv perform the show Curators Cut. Was an amazing performance. Zmack has training centres available to do course about learning Improv. They also do Corporate shows. During covid Zmack created an online show  Typical Hero and is up to Episode 4. Zmack Improv are also doing puppet shows which is a credit to the teams talent.

Part 2- Please Welcome to the podcast the very talented recording artist Mark Wengelewski. Born and raised in Chicago USA, now residing in Shanghai China, Mark started his music career in local bands before playing with J for Jules. Playing original shows and tribute shows. They recorded one album. He worked at the popular Traffic Jam bar in met some of the most famous celebrities and Major League Sports. Mark is the biggest Chicago White Sox fan.

Mark moved to Shanghai and is most recognised for his live performances at the Pearl Theatre where he plays Bon Scott in the AcDc tribute band, he also performs is original shows. He latest release "Onward and Upload" is a credit to his ability and wide variety of music influences. It is available on QQ Music and major streaming services. The track we heard at the start of the podcast was "What You Gonna Do Now" Wechat @mwengel

Please Welcome to the podcast the very talented recording artist Mark Wengelewski. Born and raised in Chicago USA, now residing in Shanghai China, Mark started his music career in local bands before playing with J for Jules. Playing original shows and tribute shows. They recorded one album. He worked at the popular Traffic Jam bar in met some of the most famous celebrities and Major League Sports. Mark is the biggest Chicago White Sox fan.

Mark moved to Shanghai and is most recognised for his live performances at the Pearl Theatre where he plays Bon Scott in the AcDc tribute band, he also performs is original shows. He latest release "Onward and Upload" is a credit to his ability and wide variety of music influences. It is available on QQ Music and major streaming services. The track we heard at the start of the podcast was "Spread A Little Love" Wechat @mwengel

Episode 77- Please welcome to the podcast the very smart and independent 21 year old Chinese Blogger Icey. Originally from Jiangxi Provence China, now residing in Guangzhou, Icey is waving the flag for the modern girl living in the People's Republic of China. We met in Dali Yunnan, read her blogs and was amazed by her honest truth, talking about her relationship, her sexual encounters and learning about life on the fly. She is travelling overseas and some domestic travel. Icey has also created 2 sexual skills communication groups, to encourage Chinese people to be open and talk about the art of sex.

Here we talked about the Millennial Generation, Women of the new era, Minimalism, Face up to lust and self healing. Wechat subscribtion: 罗明朗 Wechat- thegreatIcey

Part 2- Please welcome to the podcast the talented Jack Donovan. Originally from Michigan USA now residing in Shanghai China, Jack currently plays in the punk rock band Trash Panda. He used to play in the popular band Carbon. He has played guitar in Someone The Musical and has mixed, mastered and produced my Full Throttle E.P. Jack is the promoter and sound tech for the popular Shanghai underground bar C's Bar. He has also been a Director of an International School. Jack also plays guitar in the tribute band Faux Fighters

Jack talks about his tragic health issue having a stroke, and his heart breaking family health issues. But he has got through it and is waving the flag for original music as a performer and promoter in the Shanghai entertainment scene. wechat - jackzzeff @trashpandash

Part 1- Please welcome to the podcast the talented Jack Donovan. Originally from Michigan USA now residing in Shanghai China, Jack currently plays in the punk rock band Trash Panda. He used to play in the popular band Carbon. He has played guitar in Someone The Musical and has mixed, mastered and produced my Full Throttle E.P. Jack is the promoter and sound tech for the popular Shanghai underground bar C's Bar. He has also been a Director of an International School. Jack also plays guitar in the tribute band Faux Fighters

Jack talks about his tragic health issue having a stroke, and his heart breaking family health issues. But he has got through it and is waving the flag for original music as a performer and promoter in the Shanghai entertainment scene. wechat - jackzzeff @trashpandash

Please welcome to the podcast the talented singer song writer, actor, model, director and co-founder of The Pearl Theatre Frank Bray. Born in Oklahoma USA, Frank tells us about his early days growing learning about music and vocals. He did modelling and acting in the USA. He also talks about what really happened with Marilyn Monroe and JFK.

Part 2- Frank tells us about his experience with 9/11. He has released 2 Jazz albums.

Part 1- Please welcome to the podcast the talented singer song writer, actor, model, director and co-founder of The Pearl Theatre Frank Bray. Born in Oklahoma USA, Frank tells us about his early days growing learning about music and vocals. He did modelling and acting in the USA. He also talks about what really happened with Marilyn Monroe and JFK.

Frank tells us about his experience with 9/11. He has released 2 Jazz albums.

Episode 72- Please welcome to the podcast the very talented Composer, writer and producer Ivan Matsumoto. Born in Japan, raised in the Philippines, UK and Italy, Ivan attended Bath University and studied Creative Writing and Theatre. Here he won Best Student Screenplay at the Bath Fringe Festival.

Ivan moved to Shanghai and in 2019 started casting, composing and producing  Someone the Musical. Here he gathered actors and musicians from the Shanghai entertainment industry to perform this amazing Musical. For the future to take the musical back to the UK and the rest of the world. @someonethemusical Wechat: Iv4nmatsumoto

Please welcome to the podcast the talented and beautiful All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Women's Superstar Amber Nova, a Pro Wrestling American Muscle Mechanic. Born in New Jersey now residing in Florida, Amber's love for pro wrestling began with her father going to watch WWE events. She moved to Florida to pursue her career and was trained by Lince Dorado, Hector Guerrero, Matt Sydal, Ivelisse Velez, Loki, Josh Woods. She got her first break working with Impact Wrestling then a year later was appearing on WWE NXT, her first match was against current Women's WWE Champion Nikki Cross. 2019 Amber did tours of the UK, South Africa and Panama and is the current NWA Women's Champion.  @ambernova73

Finally! Please welcome to the podcast Oscar winning Crowd Supervisor for Walt Disney Studio's and one of my longest friends, Yasser Hamed. Yasser was born in Egypt, grew up in Australia, now residing in Hollywood USA. He has worked for Animal Logic where his first project was Happy Feet which won an Oscar. Moving to Sony and now Disney, Yasser has worked on some of the biggest movies in animation including Alice In Wonderland, Wreck It Ralph, Big Hero 6, Moana, Tangled and one of the highest grossing animation movies in the world Frozen and Frozen 2. Yasser is also apart of the Academy voting panel. @yasserlikes2fly @thepinartist

Here we talk about growing up in Egypt, meeting Yasser at high school and his phosphorus, forming our rock band deFusion, getting his pilot license, his hobby the pin artist, working on Happy Feet?, moving to Hollywood, His thoughts on Frozen and Frozen 2, getting to meet the biggest stars in the entertainment industry, meeting Brad Pitt and some amazing behind the scene stories.

Episode 66 - Please welcome to the podcast originally from Hong Kong now living in Shanghai, the very talented Tiffany Pattinson. Tiffany is a fortune teller who has a gained a regular client base throughout Asia. Tiffany predicted that there was going to be a major world wide issue before the pandemic actually happened. Her fortune telling has helped some of her customers be successful in business and starting a family. Tiffany also gave me a live reading and looked into my star and birth chart. For bookings online or in person Wechat- tiffanypattinson IG @tiffanypattinson @miss.inferi

Here we talked about living in Shanghai during the pandemic, predicting that the pandemic would happen, being able to do readings for pets, what she says to people who are sceptical, how she got involved with fortune telling and some amazing success stories with her readings.

Part 2- Please welcome to the podcast the founders and the amazing performers of The Silk Room, School of Burlesque in Shanghai. I talked with Boobie BonBon from Belgium @boobiebonbon, Betty Snatch from Australia @betty_snatch, Mama Tequila from Ireland @karahkelleigh and Tia D'Inferi from Hong Kong @miss.inferi.

For more Information on The Silk Room Classes please visit @thesilkroomschoolburlesque 

Costume Design- Tia D'Inferi @miss,inferi. 

Photo credit- Grant Oh @thepearlshanghai

Here we talk about Burlesque in Shanghai and how the local community react to this, what classes are available at the silk room, why burlesque? how they developed their stage names, developing there on stage and solo performances, female empowerment, accepting your own body, Grant Oh and the Pearl Shanghai, costume design, upcoming shows and some amazing burlesque and cabaret stories.

Part 2- Please welcome to the podcast the founders and the amazing performers of The Silk Room, School of Burlesque in Shanghai. I talked with Boobie BonBon from Belgium @boobiebonbon, Betty Snatch from Australia @betty_snatch, Mama Tequila from Ireland @karahkelleigh and Tia D'Inferi from Hong Kong @miss.inferi.

For more Information on The Silk Room Classes please visit @thesilkroomschoolburlesque 

Costume Design- Tia D'Inferi @miss,inferi. 

Photo credit- Grant Oh @thepearlshanghai

Here we talk about Burlesque in Shanghai and how the local community react to this, what classes are available at the silk room, why burlesque? how they developed their stage names, developing there on stage and solo performances, female empowerment, accepting your own body, Grant Oh and the Pearl Shanghai, costume design, upcoming shows and some amazing burlesque and cabaret stories.

Episode 63- Please welcome to the podcast from Newcastle Australia, Damien Baguley. Damien is the lead vocalist of the popular Country and Western group The Viper Creek band. The band has done numerous tours and CMC festivals in Australia and the USA, gaining a large following. Their albums are consistently reaching number 1 in the ARIA charts and their video clips are played regularly on CMC TV. They are also finalists of the Golden Guitar award and CMC Awards. The two tracks we heard from the new album were the title track Beautiful Destruction and Australian Girls .@vipercreekoffical @damienbaguley

Here we talk about what the band did last year, touring the USA, playing with Keith Urban of live radio, his previous band Valhalla, Tamworth Country music awards, using the didgeridoo on stage, the Newcastle music scene, the forming of the Viper Creek Band, a new album? and some amazing road stories.