Advertise on podcast: Tricolor Chinese Culture Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with two educators from XIS’s secondary department, Liz Li and Jonathan Venneberg. Liz shares her observations as a coworker, friend, and cultural guide to our foreign staff, while Jonathan offers a dual viewpoint as both a current foreign staff member and an XIS alumnus from the Class of 2018, speaking to the experience of navigating China as both guest and host. We also hear from another XIS alumnus, Sawyer Papendorf (Class of 2025), who reflects on a few misconceptions about China that his years here have clarified, and shares his ongoing appreciation for the country he loves. We would love your feedback on Season 4 of Tricolor: https://form.jotform.com/stephaniewendler/tricolor-podcast-feedback

Both within and beyond XIS, Luke and Kiko have had countless opportunities—through a range of professional and personal experiences—to observe and engage with 外国人 (foreigners). In addition to the warm smiles they offer in the Xi’an International School office, they bring valuable wisdom and insight for anyone seeking to live well in China. At the end of the episode, we also hear from Hayden Feeney, a student from the University of Washington, who taught in XIS’s 2025 secondary summer camp. He shares the moments that impacted him during his stay, as well as the advice he has for others visiting/living in China.

In this episode, we’re joined by long-time friend of Xi'an International School, Steven Hou. From teaching middle school English at an international school, to working with engineers at an IT firm in Shanghai, and now consulting Chinese families on college admissions abroad, Steven brings a wealth of experience working across cultures. We’ll also hear some perceptive cultural insights from XIS G11 student Maia Fong, including the saying “民以食为天” (“The people regard food as their heaven”).

In this episode we get to hear "suitcase stories" from a local friend outside of the XIS community. Audrey's work as a teacher and translator and her involvement with English corners have given her lots of opportunities to interact with and build relationships with foreigners in China and she has some great insights to share. We also get to hear G10 student, Kimi Lee, share a collaborative approach to learning about culture as well as learn the saying, "三人行必有我师“/”When there are 3 people walking together, one of them is bound to be able to teach me something."

In this conversation we get to hear from our very own Miss Harris (XIS Principal) and Niu Laoshi (lead for XIS' Chinese language program)! Both of them have a lot of experience (and stories!) of watching new arrivals come and adjust to their new life here in China and at XIS. We also learn some important cultural tips from XIS G10 student, Helina Ju, as well as learn the idiom, "因地制宜“/ ”Suit measures to local conditions".

This is a special episode, where two of XIS's summer interns, Laura and Andrea Gonzalez, interview XIS G5 teacher, Tori Vaughn, about her "suitcase stories". We also get a great opportunity to learn some valuable lessons from XIS G11 student, Uri Kim as well as learn the idiom, "礼尚往来“/”Courtesy demands reciprocity".

,We get to hear some great advice from XIS G11 student, William Zhang, that includes the idiom, "入乡随俗“/ "When you enter the village follow their customs." We also get a chance to hear from XIS's former G2 teacher, Sidney Stewart: What she brought with her, all that she gained and learned during her stay in China, and what she wants to take back to her passport culture.

This season: Suitcase Stories — exploring the deeply personal journeys of going and staying in China. What do we pack when we cross cultures? What do we carry home? And what transforms us along the way? From unexpected discoveries to hard-won lessons, these conversations dive into what makes Chinese culture unique and how it shapes us. Hear stories about the things we carry, the things we leave behind, and how China changes us. Join us next week, October 21, for Episode 1 of Season 4. 

In this episode we get to hear Kevin Hu and Lucy Liu, two local friends, give explanation of and insight into some of the traditions of CNY as well as share some of their favorite memories. I learned a lot from this conversation and am excited to share it with you. Also we get a chance to learn about 红包/hóngbāo/red packets from XIS senior,  Asher Wendler. We would love your feedback on this season of episodes about traditional Chinese holidays. Thanks! https://form.jotform.com/stephaniewendler/tricolor-podcast-feedback

Chinese New Year (CNY) is so big that it needs at least 2 episodes. In this episode (Part 1) we get the "outsider's" perspective with Paul and Analisa. They share what it's like celebrating this important holiday with local friends and what they have learned about the holiday and Chinese culture through their experiences. We also get to hear April Carrillo share her favorite CNY memory and XIS senior, Hanna Jung, share a CNY origin story. Next week we'll get to hear about CNY from two local friends, so be on the watch! Enjoy and Happy Lunar New Year! We appreciate your feedback: https://form.jotform.com/stephaniewendler/tricolor-podcast-feedback

What do dragon boat races, a patriot-poet named Qu Yuan, zongzi (glutinous rice- with filling- steamed in bamboo leaves) and fragrant pouches have in common? They are all connected with a holiday that falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. In this episode we will talk with Louisa Xia and Athena Hao about their understanding of and experiences with Dragon Boat Festival. We also get to hear Xi'an International School 2023 alumna, Paulina Yao tell the well known story of Qu Yuan. Enjoy! We'd love your feedback: https://form.jotform.com/stephaniewendler/tricolor-podcast-feedback

 Tomb sweeping festival (清明节qīngmíngjié) may be observed in the early spring (April 4 or 5) but learning about the meaning and traditions associated with it can give us insight into Chinese culture that is helpful no matter what season we're in. This episode features a conversation with He Laoshi (Teacher He) as well as a conversation with DeAnn, an American that has taught English in China for many years. Both of them share their experiences with Tomb sweeping festival and what stands out to them about this holiday.  We also get to hear the tale of Jiezi tui (介子推), told by XIS senior Kyle Jang, and how this story is connected with Cold Food Festival (寒食节) and Tomb sweeping Festival. We'd love your feedback! https://form.jotform.com/stephaniewendler/tricolor-podcast-feedback

,With Mid-Autumn Festival right around the corner, it's a great time to get a taste for the season through stories. In this episode, Melinda Tan and Deborah Liu share their hometown and away from home memories and experiences with Mid-Autumn Festival . At the end of the episode we also get to hear Kyle Ju tell the famous Mid-Autumn Festival legend of Houyi and Chang'e.

This episode features a conversation with my good friends, Steve and Linda. They share about their experiences when they first arrived in China back in the late 80's/early 90s, what they've loved about their lives in China over the almost 3 decades they've spent here, and the deep friendships they've made along the way. At the end of the episode, XIS senior, Joseph Kim, teaches some life wisdom through the Chinese idiom, "盲人摸象/mángrénmōxiàng/3 blind men touching an elephant". Since this is the final episode of Season 2, please take some time to give us some feedback. Thanks! https://form.jotform.com/stephaniewendler/tricolor-podcast-feedback

This episode features XLIS Deputy Head of School, Brian Lalor. Brian shares with us what he's learned about culture and life as he's lived and been a leader in Xi'an as well as in other cross-cultural contexts in Asia. At the end of the episode, XIS senior, Abraham Kim, teaches us some Chinese history and a life lesson through the idiom, "纸上谈兵/zhǐshàngtánbīng/To discuss battle tactics on paper (armchair strategist)" We'd love your feedback! https://form.jotform.com/stephaniewendler/tricolor-podcast-feedback