Tell Craig Your Story

Please welcome today's guest, 李彦漪Yanyi Li, also known as Jenny Li. Born in Shanghai, she studied in Vancouver, Canada, before postgraduate studies in Japan. She is the President of the Aijia Group and the founder and CEO of the White Tea Plain (Bai Cha Yuan) project in Anji, Zhejiang.Under her leadership, White Tea Plain has become one of China's most innovative rural revitalization projects, combining tourism, culture, design, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. From the award-winning ACDC Creative Design Centre to the DNA Digital Nomad Community, Jenny's vision has attracted thousands of creative professionals and visitors to Anji while helping transform the region into a world-class rural destination.Today we'll discuss her journey from international student to business leader, the future of rural tourism in China, the growth of Anji's famous white tea industry, and how creativity and innovation are reshaping the countryside for a new generation. Wechat- jennyjenny789 🎙️ Listen🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌳 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tellcraigyourstory #Anji #WhiteTeaPlain #RuralRevitalization #China #CulturalTourism #SustainableDevelopment #CreativeEconomy #DigitalNomadLife #Entrepreneurship #JennyLi #李彦漪YanyiLi #AnjiZhejiang #BaiChaYuan

🎙️ Part 2 – Josh Pemberton | Full Throttle – It's What The Fans Want In Part 2, Josh Pemberton joins me as we continue our track-by-track deep dive into the second half of Full Throttle's debut album, It's What The Fans Want. We discuss:🎵 Josh's favourite song on the album😂 The story behind All My Friends Have Slept With Ray and Ray's reaction to hearing it live for the first🎸 Playing the songs live and deciding which tracks made the album🤵 Who exactly is the Pop Punk Gentleman? And what is a Scooter Booter? To wrap things up, Josh and I reveal our Top 3 favourite songs from the album and our Top 3 songs of all time. Track Breakdown⏱️ Scooter Booter — 6:51⏱️ Electric Fever Dream — 13:47⏱️ Summer Breeze — 23:21⏱️ Running Away From the 9 to 5 — 29:27⏱️ All My Friends Have Slept With Ray — 36:40⏱️ Pop Punk Gentleman — 44:03 Full Throttle🎤 Josh Pemberton – Vocals/Guitar🥁 Craig Maguire – Drums/Backing Vocals🎸 Lucie Zhuang – Bass🎸 Rade Milanovic – Lead Guitar 🎚️ Produced by Rade Milanovic 🎧 Album:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1rS7Ng72SJ9fteX1QsroAu?si=2u9tQsq0ToiAdsWo6oj6fAApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/its-what-the-fans-want/6772509639Bandcamp: https://fullthrottle.bandcamp.com/album/its-what-the-fans-want 📸 Instagram: @fullthrottlesh 🎙️ Listen:Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.comLinktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tellcraigyourstory #FullThrottle #ItsWhatTheFansWant #JoshPemberton #TellCraigYourStory #RockMusic #NewMusic #Podcast #AlbumRelease #ShanghaiMusic

Part 2 – John Shanghai Singer, Author, EntrepreneurJohn moved to China in 2005 and became the Official MC and part of the management team at Shanghai's iconic Bar Rouge. In 2006, he launched Johnjamsession, a live music concept that became a key part of Shanghai's music scene and later partnered with the French Consulate's La Fête de la Musique. Beyond music, John managed Anar restaurant and co-founded Karma cocktail bar.In this episode, we discuss: 🎶 Shanghai's live music scene 🎤 Building a loyal crowd for Johnjamsession 🍸 Nightlife and entrepreneurship 👕 The In Black and Happy clothing brand 🌍 Creating communities through music and businessFollow John: @johnshanghai01🎧 LISTEN NOW 🎙️ Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com 🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory ▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory#Shanghai #Podcast #TellCraigYourStory #LiveMusic #ShanghaiMusicScene #Johnjamsession #Entrepreneur #InBlackAndHappy #MusicPodcast #JohnShanghai

🎙️ Episode 190 – Part 2: Alejandra Mendoza Welcome back to Tell Craig Your Story. In Part 2 of my conversation with Mexican entrepreneur Alejandra Mendoza, we dive into her bold decision to move to China and explore the powerful cultural exchange between Mexico and China. Alejandra shares insights into building her language business, her passion for communication, and practical tips for improving your public speaking. We also discuss her podcast, her Chinese learning book, and her collaboration with the Mexican Embassy in Shanghai. To close, Alejandra opens up about her pride in representing Mexico and shares some of her favourite Mexican artists, albums, and books. 🌐 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 #AlejandraMendoza #Entrepreneur #Mexico #China #CrossCultural #PublicSpeaking #LanguageLearning #GlobalStories #ESL #TellCraigYourStory

🎙️ Donut Larsen — In Part 2 of Tell Craig Your Story, we continue our conversation with one of the most compelling new voices in American roots music Donut Larsen — rose from street performances to global attention through viral videos. His 2025 album Maybe blends Americana, blues, folk-punk, and modern country, delivering raw storytelling and deeply personal reflections. In this episode, we explore the stories and creative process behind Maybe 🤠 His views on modern country music in the U.S. 🌍 Life after sudden fame 🗣️ His love for Australian 🇦🇺 and Kiwi 🇳🇿 accents ✊ Experiences participating in protest rallies More than an album, Maybe is a snapshot of a life transformed into music that resonates worldwide. This is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 LISTEN NOW 🎙️ Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com 🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory ▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory 🌟 Follow & Support Donut Larsen 📸 Instagram: @donut.larsen 🌍 www.donutlarsenmusic.com #DonutLarsen #MaybeAlbum #AmericanaMusic #ModernCountry #IndieArtist #FolkPunk #SingerSongwriter #NewAlbum2025 #ViralArtist #TellCraigYourStoryPodcast #PodcastInterview

With the NRL 2026 season about to kick off in Las Vegas next month, I couldn’t think of a better person to welcome onto the podcast than Dean Smith. Born in Maitland, Australia, Dean is the host of the KTP Podcast, recorded live every Tuesday night from their studio, where they break down all things Rugby League. I was lucky enough to jump on the show last year and had an absolute blast. Beyond the mic, Dean is the founder of the Smita Foundation, a charity focused on mental health, anti-bullying, and domestic violence awareness. His work reaches far beyond the Rugby League community, making a real impact locally as he tackles some incredibly challenging issues head-on.In recognition of this, Dean was recently named a 2026 City of Maitland Service Award Nominee — well deserved. 📲 Follow Dean & KTP PodcastInstagram: @10smita14 | @ktp_podcast_YouTube: @KTPPodcastAU 👉 Listen here:🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #NRL2026 #RugbyLeague #NRLinVegas #PodcastLife #RugbyLeagueCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #SmitaFoundation #AustralianSport #TellCraigYourStory #KTPPodcast #DeanSmith #NewcastleKnights

It’s an absolute honour to welcome Bernard (Barney) Haas from the Blue Man Group to the podcast.Barney was in Shanghai for a four-month residency, and I was lucky enough to attend one of the shows. I went in not knowing what to expect and came away completely blown away by the talent of the Blue Man Group performers — from drumming on bongos to create exploding paint, to catching marshmallows in their mouths, to creating art live on stage. The audience was a perfect mix of young kids through to grandparents, all equally captivated. In this episode, Barney and I talk about working in Shanghai and learning not just Chinese, but other languages along the way. We dive into his life in Ireland, busking on the streets, forming bands, and eventually landing acting roles. He shares how he first discovered Blue Man Group in an Indian restaurant, the intense audition process, meeting the original members, and travelling the world as part of one of the biggest live music productions in the world.We also talk about navigating the entertainment industry during COVID, his time with Le Wagon, his passion for tackling insomnia, and many unforgettable experiences from a truly unique career.Please welcome Barney Haas from the Blue Man Group. 📸 Instagram: @brednad_flex💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barneyhaas🌐 Website: www.bluemangroup.com 👉 Listen here:🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com 🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory#BlueManGroup #PodcastLife #LivePerformance #MusicPodcast #PerformingArts #BehindTheScenes #CreativeLife #ArtistJourney #ShanghaiLife #TellCraigYourStory

🎙️ Tell Craig Your Story – Episode 181 (Part 2) In Part 2 of my chat with Clint Lovering — front man of Damage Inc. (@damageincmetallica) — we get into the roots of Australia’s ultimate Metallica tribute band. Clint talks about how Damage Inc. was formed, the ups and downs of booking shows in the early days, and what it really takes to step into the shoes of James Hetfield. We dive into how the band carved their place in the Sydney music scene, how they finally landed on their name, and the Metallica songs Clint loves most to play live. He also shares his love and respect for his bandmates, and answers a big question: will Damage Inc. ever release an original song in the future? 👉 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 #JamesHetfield #LarsUlrich #HowardStern #MasterOfPuppets

Episode 179 – Tell Craig Your Story Podcast | Billie Blue Blackstone In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented Billie Blue Blackstone, a Malaysian-American singer-songwriter who first rose to prominence as the frontwoman of Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men before stepping out on her own as a solo artist. We talk about her brand-new single “Persimmon Tree,” the creative process of recording in the studio, her pre-show rituals, and her unforgettable tours across India and Japan. Her decision to go solo. Billie also talks about seeing Green Day This is a conversation about reinvention, artistry, and the journey of a musician finding her own voice. 🔗 Follow Billie Blue Blackstone on Instagram: @billieazelea 👉 Listen here:🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #BillieBlueBlackstone #TellCraigYourStory #PersimmonTree #IndieMusic #SingerSongwriter #JapanMusicScene #WomenInMusic #MusicPodcast #IndieArtist #LiveMusic #AkitaJapan #TourLife #BehindTheMusic #NewMusic2025 #PodcastInterview #GreenDay #KualaLumpur #Singapore #Malaysia

Today I’m joined by a truly incredible guest Luke Preece—an artist whose work you’ve probably seen even if you didn’t realise it. He’s a UK-based illustrator and art director, celebrated for blending the dark, powerful aesthetics of heavy metal with the imagination of science fiction and fantasy. Luke’s art has been commissioned by some of the biggest names in music and entertainment—Metallica, Slipknot, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Pearl Jam—as well as video game giants like Gears of War, DOOM, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Described by Kerrang! as one of Britain’s pre-eminent illustrators, he creates everything from limited-edition posters to album artwork and even custom guitars. His unique style—born from a love of comics, sci-fi, and metal—is instantly recognizable and loved by fans worldwide. It’s an absolute honour to welcome to the podcast… Luke Preece.👉 @lukepreeceart | www.lukepreece.com 👉 Listen here:Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.comLinktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstoryYouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #LukePreece #Illustration #PodcastInterview #TellCraigYourStory #DCMarvel #MetalArt #HeavyMetalArt #DigitalArt #AlbumArt #PosterArt #ComicArt #FantasyArt #SciFiArt #MusicArt #Metallica #Slipknot #OzzyOsbourne #PearlJam #Mastodon #AvengedSevenfold #JudasPriest #ArtPodcast

🎙️ Episode 175 – Tell Craig Your StoryThis week, I’m joined by Hope White, a dynamic midcourter for the Sydney Giants in the Suncorp Super Netball League. Born in Newcastle, Hope’s journey began at the Newcastle Netball Association before moving to the Central Coast Heart, where she developed under coaches Amber Cross. Her dedication led her to represent NSW and then Australia at U19 and U21 levels, making history as one of the youngest players in Australian netball. Now a full-time Giant under coach Nerida Stewart, Hope has re-signed with the team through 2026 and continues to inspire young athletes with her passion, agility, and resilience. 🔥 Don’t miss this inspiring chat about her journey, resilience, and passion for the game 📲 Guest: @hopewhhite *Spoiler Alert- Hope mentions that she will find out about making the Under 21's Australian Netball Team tomorrow, and as we are writing, Hope did make the team, so congratulations to her!!!!!* 🎧 Listen here: 👉 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com👉 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory👉 YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory #TellCraigYourStory #PodcastGuest #InspiringStories #AthleteJourney #SportsPodcast #HopeWhite #SydneyGiants #GiantsNetball #SuncorpSuperNetball #NSWNetball #AustralianNetball #NetballLife #RisingStar #YoungAthlete #SportsInspiration #WomenInSport

🎙️ Episode 173 – Gavin Malone (That Sound Podcast) Please welcome to the podcast Gavin Malone, co-host of That Sound Podcast based in Ireland. Gavin dives deep into album reviews, live concert experiences, and the latest news from the world of rock. We immediately connected over our mutual love for Metallica—a recurring theme in this episode. Gavin's recent podcast work includes reviewing iconic Thin Lizzy albums and an insightful interview with the owner of Slane Castle, one of Ireland’s most legendary live music venues. Although still new to the podcasting scene, That Sound Podcast is quickly gaining traction and respect in the rock community. 🎸 In this episode, we chat about: Gavin’s passion for Metallica The fascinating Slane Castle interview His thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne The rumoured Metallica residency at The Sphere, Las Vegas, And much more... 🎧 Check out That Sound Podcast: linktr.ee/thatsoundpodcast 📲 Follow:@that_sound_podcast@mogleymalone https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #GavinMalone #ThatSoundPodcast #TellCraigYourStory #Ireland #UK #Metallica #Oasis #ThinLizzy #LarsUlrich #JamesHetfield #FIFAWorldCup #LasVegas #WrexhamFC #KirkHammett #OzzyOsbourne #RIP #podcast #SlaneCastle #TheSphere #rockmusic #heavymetal #applepodcast #spotifypodcast

Episode 171 – Please welcome to the podcast, Author and Ring Announcer James Murray! James is a multi-talented creator whose work spans across comics, poetry, and live entertainment. His impressive bibliography includes Classic Horror Comics, Frankenstein: The Illuminatus Complex, and a poetry collection titled Almost Normal. He's also the author of Billy the Kid Meets the Masked Striker, published under his independent label, Hard Coal Studios. Originally from Shamokin, Pennsylvania, USA, James now resides in Zhuhai, China. He studied at Bloomsburg University and was an active member of the River Poets group in Bloomsburg, PA. In addition to his literary work, James is widely recognized in the world of professional wrestling as a Ring Announcer, most notably with MKW Pro Wrestling in China. I had the pleasure of meeting James in person last Saturday night at MKW’s Battle of The Decade, where he lit up the crowd and helped kick off an unforgettable live event. Catch James Murray in person at these upcoming events in 2025: July 5–6: Komiket International Comics Convention, Megamall, Manila, Philippines July 19–20: Hershey Comic Con, USA August 9: Nittany Comic Con, State College (Penn State), PA August 16: Lehigh Valley Comic Con, Allentown/Bethlehem, PA October 17–19: Baltimore Comic Con, Maryland November 21–23: Monster Mania, Oaks, PA (Philadelphia area) December 6: Lehigh Valley Comicon, Pennsylvania Tune in to hear James talk about storytelling, wrestling, comics, poetry, and his journey from the coal region of Pennsylvania to the wrestling rings of China! @hardcoolstudios http://www.hardcoalstudios.com/ https://globalcomix.com/c/billy-the-kid-meets-the-masked-striker/ #jamesmurray #billythekidmeetsthemaskedstriker #writer #author #hatdcoalstudios #ringannouncer #wwe #aew #newjapan #tellcraigyourstory #wwenxt #mkwprowrestling #frankenstein #almostnormal #shamokinpennsylvania #beijingchina #adriangomez #rocky #hulkhogan #zhuhaichina #poetry https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory