Tell Craig Your Story

🎙️ Tell Craig Your Story — Episode 189In Part 1 of this episode, we’re joined by Mexican entrepreneur Alejandra Mendoza, exploring her journey between Mexico and China — from her humble upbringing in Guadalajara to building a life abroad and navigating the real struggles of living in a foreign country, including language barriers, cultural differences, and starting over in a new environment. Alejandra shares her podcast 促西相谈 Encuentros, launched in 2024 — a cross-cultural platform where she shares Latin American stories and lived experiences between Mexico and China. The podcast is produced exclusively in Spanish and Chinese, bridging both languages and cultures. Alongside that, she has her own bilingual language business YuBaiLing Consulting, and teaches public speaking, helping others find confidence across languages and cultures. We also begin exploring feminist progression in Mexico and shifting opportunities for women in society. This is a conversation about identity, resilience, and finding your voice across borders. 🌐 Website: www.encxxtros.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@encxxtros 🎧 LISTEN NOW🎙️ Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #TellCraigYourStory #AlejandraMendoza #Mexico #MexicanEntrepreneur #CrossCultural #MexicoToChina #SpanishChinesePodcast #PodcastInterview #LatAmVoices #CrossCultural #PublicSpeaking #WomenInLeadership #CulturalExchange #LanguageLearning

🎙️ Donut Larsen — (Part 1) Today on Tell Craig Your Story, we meet one of the most raw and authentic new voices in American roots music Donut Larsen — is an Americana, blues, and folk-punk artist from Birmingham, Alabama. After years of hitchhiking, riding freight trains, and performing on street corners across the country, his powerful voice and deeply personal songs have captured the attention of millions online. From busking for spare change to going viral worldwide, Donut’s story is one of survival, freedom, struggle, and the search for meaning through music 🛣️🎶 In Part 1, we dive into his early life, life on the road, the experiences that shaped his sound, and the journey that led to his sudden rise in popularity. This isn’t just a story about music — it’s a story about resilience, authenticity, and the American spirit. So sit back, turn it up, and get ready to hear the story behind the voice everyone is talking about. 🎧 Listen Now 🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory 🌐 Follow & Support Donut Larsen 📸 Instagram: @donut.larsen🌍 Official Website: www.donutlarsenmusic.com #DonutLarsen #AmericanaMusic #IndieArtist #FolkPunk #BluesMusic #SingerSongwriter #ViralArtist #BuskerLife #TellCraigYourStory #PodcastInterview

🎉 Happy New Year and welcome to a new season of the Tell Craig Your Story podcast!Let’s kick off 2026 with our first guest, Chloe Trujillo. Chloe is a multidisciplinary artist, vocalist, and designer, best known as the frontwoman of the heavy alternative band BLVD OF EYES. She recently released her new single “Lies,”, showcasing her powerful vocals and emotionally driven song writing. Known for her striking stage presence and bold visual style, Chloe blends music, art, and fashion into a deeply personal creative vision. Chloe is married to Robert Trujillo, bassist of Metallica. Their son, Tye Trujillo, is an accomplished bassist and a member of Suicidal Tendencies, while their daughter, Lullah, has performed on stage alongside Chloe. Creativity and music run strongly through the Trujillo family. In this episode, we talk about: BLVD OF EYES’ tour of Australia last November and life on the road, Why Lullah didn’t play drums on the Australian tour, Chloe’s take on Australian slang, Her work designing custom surfboards, Her 3rd magic deck. 📱 Follow Chloe:Instagram: @chloetrujillo | @blvdofeyesWebsite: www.chloetrujillo.com photograph @mortyvision 👉 Listen here:🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #ChloeTrujillo #BLVDOFEYES #TellCraigYourStory #NewMusic2026 #PodcastEpisode #AustraliaTour #SurfboardArt #RockMusic #MusicFamily #FemaleVocalist #Metallica #RobertTrujillo #TyeTrujillo #LullahTrujillo

Today on Tell Craig Your Story, I’m joined by Thomas Cleary — a writer, poet, comic creator, and radio storyteller whose journey has taken him from hospital radio and community airwaves in the UK to a creative life here in Shanghai.After losing his father during lockdown, Thomas began revaluating his life, which led him to write and self-publish a deeply personal short book titled Kelsey Left A Mark — a reflective piece about gratitude, memory, and the lasting impact of a childhood friendship.Writing Kelsey Left A Mark became a turning point, lifting a weight he’d carried for years and giving him the push to close old chapters and open new ones. Now living abroad, performing poetry, writing comics purely for the love of it, and lending his voice to an upcoming game promo, Thomas’s story is about creativity, grief, closure, and moving forward.This is Thomas Cleary… and this is his story.” 👉 Listen here:🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory 📱 Connect with Thomas Cleary:💬 WeChat: @THOMASCLEARY📸 Instagram: @doubting_thomas88 #TellCraigYourStory #ThomasCleary #KelseyLeftAMark #Podcast #Storytelling #Poetry #CreativeJourney #LifeStories #ShanghaiCreatives

🎙️ Episode 180 – Part 1 “Today on Tell Craig Your Story, I’m thrilled to welcome Clint Lovering — front man of Damage Inc, Australia’s ultimate Metallica tribute band. For over 20 years, Clint and the band have brought Metallica’s music to life with passion and precision. Along the way, they’ve shared the stage with the Sydney Symphony, performed the Last Post on ANZAC Day, and even received a shout-out from Lars Ulrich on the Howard Stern Show. Damage Inc. is headlining the Official Night Before Party as a part of Metallica’s Australia and New Zealand M72 Tour this November — with shows across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Auckland. This is Part 1 of my conversation with Clint — a story about dedication, tribute, and keeping the flame of Metallica and heavy metal alive.” 👉 Listen here:🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory Follow Clint on Instagram: @dadzbodAnd follow the band: @damageincmetallica #DamageInc #MetallicaTribute #TellCraigYourStory #Metallica #ClintLovering #AUSAETERNATour #HeavyMetal #MetallicaFans #ThrashMetal #MetalCommunity #LiveMusic #MetalHeads #PodcastInterview #RockPodcast #MetalPodcast #LarsUlrich #JamesHetfield #MasterOfPuppets #Meatloaf #HowardStern

Episode 178 🎙️Today on Tell Craig Your Story, I’m excited to welcome Hayley Zhao — editor, writer, and multimedia journalist with The World of Chinese. Hayley has a passion for bridging cultures through storytelling, whether it’s in print, podcasts, or multimedia projects. A graduate of Columbia Journalism School, her focus includes education, environmental reporting, and investigative journalism. We first met at the MKW Pro Wrestling Battle of the Decade show in Beijing — an unforgettable night of action, energy, and incredible people. Since then, I’ve followed her work closely, and I’m thrilled to finally have her here to share her journey, experiences in journalism, and insights into life and culture in China. 📸 Instagram: @HayleyYiming 👉 Listen here:🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #HayleyZhao #TellCraigYourStory #PodcastInterview #TheWorldOfChinese #CulturalStories #ChinaPodcast #JournalismJourney #StorytellingMatters #MKWProWrestling #BeijingLife #GlobalVoices #AdrianGomez

🎙️ Episode 176 – Tell Craig Your Story This week, I’m joined by Qin Qin, author of the memoir Model Minority Gone Rogue. In this powerful and deeply personal story, Qin Qin reflects on navigating identity, cultural expectations, and the journey of breaking free from the “model minority” label. Born in China, now residing in Canberra Australia, Qin Qin shares her experiences growing up under the shadow of the “Tiger Mother” stereotype — and how she challenged those expectations to discover her true self. Her memoir is a bold exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to write your own narrative — and it’s now available at all good bookstores. 👉 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com👉 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory👉 YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #TellCraigYourStory #QinQin #ModelMinorityGoneRogue #Memoir #AuthorInterview #BreakingStereotypes #AsianVoices #IdentityMatters #InspiringStories #PodcastLife #HarvardUniversity #lawyer #China #Australia

Episode [174] – Daria Vedenskaya (Fitness Coach, Zumba on the Bund) Please welcome to the podcast, Daria Vedenskaya, joining us all the way from Vladivostok, Russia. Daria studied in Shanghai, China, where she works as an Import-Export Agent. But her true passion lies in the world of fitness and personal training. She offers online classes as well as one-on-one personal coaching, tailoring each program to individual needs. In Shanghai, Daria is well-known for her popular Zumba on the Bund sessions and her Pulse Revolution workouts—guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Daria has also taken the stage as a speaker at PechaKucha events in Shanghai, where she shared her story and inspired others. In this episode, we dive into her journey: growing up in Russia, the challenges she faced as a teenager, diet and nutrition, Russian food culture, and the moment someone suggested she head to Shanghai to follow a new path. Join me on this inspiring conversation with Russian-born fitness coach, trainer, and entrepreneur, Daria Vedenskaya. 📲 Instagram: @daria_vedenskaya📲 WeChat: dariavedenskaya https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #dariavedenskaya #personaltrainer #fitnesscoach #tellcraigyourstory #shanghaichina #pulserevolution #zumba #athlete #diet #training #podcast #PechaKucha #Pilates

Episode 172 – Xiaojiemen: China’s International Wrestling Influence In this episode, Craig sits down with Xiaojiemen, one of China’s most influential figures in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his dynamic presence on Bilibili—with over 34,000 followers and 11 million+ total views—Xiaojiemen has become a trailblazer in promoting and celebrating wrestling culture in China. We dive deep into his journey from participating in the WWE China Tryout in 2019, to becoming the official commentator for WWE on Huya (2021) and Bilibili (2023). He shares behind-the-scenes stories from interviewing WWE superstars like Ricochet, Shozi, and Xia Li, and talks about the booming growth of wrestling fandom across Asia. Xiaojiemen also opens up about his creative work—ranging from entrance music covers, wrestling documentaries, live game commentary, to designing custom championship belts and collaborating with AEW x Street Fighter/Tekken on limited edition merchandise. We also explore his contributions to MKW, KOPW, OWE, and NTW, and how he's helping bridge international wrestling with Chinese audiences through live commentary, graphic design, and fan-focused media. Instagram @xiaojiemen X/ BiliBili @小解闷 https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #WWE #ProWrestling #AEW #TellCraigYourStory #podcast #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingCommunity #ChineseWrestling #BiliBili #Xiaojiemen #WrestlingContentCreator #WWEChina #HulkHogan #OzzyOsbourne

Episode 170- We’re thrilled to welcome Rob Dietrich — Master Distiller and Blender of Blackened American Whiskey — who joins us while on tour with Metallica as part of the explosive Metallica Takeover events. Before becoming the face behind Metallica’s signature Blackened whiskey and cigar's, Rob lived a life few could imagine. From his early days serving in the U.S. Army to working as an event manager and roadie for some of the biggest names in music, Rob has truly seen it all — behind the scenes and behind the bar. In this episode, Rob opens up about his wild journey through the world of live music, his transition into the whiskey industry, and how he blended both passions into something legendary. He shares the science behind Blackened Whiskey's sonic-enhancement process, using Metallica’s own music to shape the flavour of every barrel. He also shares his thoughts on the award winning Rye The Lightening From backstage chaos to barrels of perfectly tuned whiskey, Rob’s story is one of grit, creativity, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. @robwhiskey @blackenedwhiskey https://blackenedwhiskey.com https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #robdietrich #blackenedwhiskey #metallica #masterdistiller #drewestateblackenedcigars #denvercolorado #surfing #schoolbus #jameshetfield #larsulrich #kirkhammett #robtrujillo #davepickerall #usarmyservice #metallicatakeover #ryethelightening #metallicafamily #batch100 #batch106

Please welcome to the podcast one of the all time greatest guitar players, Marty Friedman. Born in Washington DC, USA, he started his music career with bands Hawaii and Deuce before forming Cacophony with Jason Becker. Friedman joined Megadeth in 1990 and their Rust In Peace album, is considered one of the best heavy metal album ever. He received International success touring the world and having multi platinum albums. Friedman left Megadeth in 2000 and in 2003 moved to Japan to start a whole new life. Since moving to Japan he has become a Japanese celebrity and has eclipsed his accomplishments in Megadeth. He has released multiple solo albums, has been a producer and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in J-Pop, having consistent sold out tours. Friedman is a TV Star and a cultural ambassador. In December 2024 he released his autobiography which has been critically acclaimed around the world Marty's band will be touring China next May in support of his new album Drama. He will be performing in Shanghai 15th May, Beijing 17th May and Guangzhou 18th May. We have 2 free tickets to give away to the Shanghai show. All you have to do is send a screenshot that you have shared this podcast on your social media and answer this question from the podcast- What Chinese pop star does Marty Friedman want to collaborate with? Send your DM to my Wechat or send to cjmaguire@hotmail.com . Winners will be announced on the 8th of May. https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #martyfriedman #drama #dreamingjapanese #chinatour #bilibili #jacksonguitar #megadeth #davemustaine #rustinpeace #illumination #shanghaichina #jasonbecker #hawaii #deuce #kiss #madonna #theramones #riverplatefc #jaychou #fender #guitarist #soloalbum #cocaphony #japanesetvstar #momoiro #cloverz #culturalambassador #japan #japaneseculture #j-pop #dragonkiss #jeffloomis #tokyojukebox

2025 IS HERE! Welcome to a new season of Tell Craig Your Story podcast. We kick it off with Adrian Manera. Adrian was born in Adelaide, South Australia. He is the owner of World Series Wrestling (WSW), the leading Australian pro wrestling tour company. Superstars like Jeff Jarrett, Gunther, AJ Styles, and Daniel Bryan have previously performed with the company. WSW has a new "Legacy" tour, with live events this March in Melbourne 28th, Brisbane 29th, Adelaide 30th and Sydney 31st. Limited tickets are still available. https://worldserieswrestling.com.au Adrian is the Managing Director of the Manera Group and is Co-Owner of Haggle Co Home and Furniture, South Australia's largest family owned chain. https://maneragroup.com.au/home-outside-of-australia/#home/home We talk about how we met in Shanghai? What he thought of MKW? This furniture business, Which AEW Superstar was put into the WSW Hall of Fame? Why he loves China, Wrestling in Australia, His entertaining Haggle Co ad's, and many great stories. @adrianmanera https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #adrianmanera #haggleco #maneragroup #wsw #worldserieswrestling #tellcraigyourstory #southaustralia #briancage #mkwwrestling #shanghaichina #homeandfurniture #jeffjarrett #ajstyles #gunther #rhearipley #danielbryan #seinfeld #thewiggles #adelaide36ers #andyraymond #wwe #wwf