What happens when love sends you halfway across the world, and food brings you back home? In this episode, Susan and I sit down with Tina Zhao — chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Alinta, a Shanghai restaurant that fuses Australian ease with Chinese precision. Tina first left Shanghai at 17 to chase love in Melbourne, only to discover something else entirely: her calling in the kitchen. From culinary school to fine dining, from private dining startups to reality TV, Tina’s story charts the high heat of the food industry across the creativity, the chaos, and the craving for ownership. We talk about what it means to build something that’s 100% yours, the pressures behind “celebrity chef” culture, and how food can become a language of identity, one that bridges continents, careers, and selves. Takeaways： * Tina moved to Melbourne at 17 to chase love. * Cultural shock was significant upon arriving in Australia. * Tina's culinary journey began in culinary school. * She found her passion for cooking quickly. * Returning to China inspired her entrepreneurial spirit. * Private dining became a successful venture for Tina. * Tina's experiences on cooking shows were intense and stressful. * She values privacy over fame despite her celebrity status. * Tina has launched food startups in China. * Her journey reflects the dynamic food industry landscape. Tina experienced significant stress in her previous roles due to high expectations and the need for constant creativity. * She transitioned from the food industry to a consulting role, where she learned valuable skills but felt constrained by corporate structures. * Tina's desire to open a restaurant stemmed from her passion for food and a need for creative freedom. * Alinta, her restaurant, represents a fusion of Australian and Chinese culinary influences. * Building a unique brand identity was crucial for Alinta, including designing the restaurant and creating a mascot. * Food serves as a cultural connector, allowing Tina to bridge her experiences in Australia and China. * Customer loyalty is challenging in the competitive Shanghai market, but Tina values the relationships she builds with regulars. * Tina emphasizes the importance of having something that is 100% yours, whether it's a business or a hobby. * She aims to help others in the food industry by sharing her knowledge and experiences. * Tina's journey reflects the importance of optimism and taking risks in pursuing one's passions. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Liminal Spaces: Introduction to the Podcast 05:20 Cultural Adaptation: Embracing Australian Life 11:06 From Culinary School to Fine Dining: Building a Career 16:30 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Returning to China 20:22 The Reality of the Food Industry: Love and Stress 25:06 The Pressure of Fine Dining 28:50 Building Connections Through Food 30:44 The Journey to Television Stardom 31:37 Navigating the Challenges of Cooking Shows 32:38 The Fast-Paced Life in Shanghai 33:36 Cultural Adjustments After Returning to Shanghai 34:44 The Evolution of Shanghai's Food Scene 35:37 The Impact of Technology on Dining 36:35 Reflections on Fame and Privacy 37:26 Transitioning from Celebrity to Business 38:25 The Rise of Healthy Food Trends 39:14 Lessons from Food Startups 40:12 Consulting and Corporate Life 41:06 Balancing Creativity and Business 42:01 The Future of Culinary Ventures 45:27 Transitioning from Consulting to Culinary Ventures 49:10 The Impact of COVID-19 on Career Choices 52:53 The Birth of Alinta: A Culinary Dream Realized 57:43 Creating a Unique Brand Identity 01:03:22 Unexpected Encounters: A Full Circle Moment 01:04:16 Food as a Cultural Bridge 01:07:36 Evolving Menu Design for Customer Engagement 01:11:03 Adapting to Customer Preferences and Trends 01:12:33 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Ownership 01:15:46 Vision for the Future in the Food Industry 01:18:06 Embracing Challenges and Positive Mindset 01:19:11 Recommendations and Personal Favorites Little Red (小红书): tinayuezhao Instagram: tinayyue Email Inquiries: tinayuezhao@gmail.com This podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/ Music by Megan Tan Art by Cindy Zhang 当爱情带你远渡重洋，而食物又带你回家 当爱情让你漂洋过海，而食物又将你带回故乡，会发生什么？ 在本期节目中，Susan 和我与 赵悦 Tina Zhao 对谈——她是一位厨师、创业者，也是上海餐厅 Alinta 的创始人。Alinta 将澳洲的轻松与中国的精致融合在一张餐桌上。17 岁那年，Tina 为了爱情离开上海前往墨尔本，却意外在厨房中找到真正的热情。从厨艺学校到高级餐厅，从私人定制餐饮到电视节目，她的故事横跨文化与行业，在高压与创造之间不断重塑自我。 我们聊到如何打造一个“百分之百属于自己”的事业，谈“名厨文化”背后的压力，也探讨食物如何成为一种跨越地域与身份的语言——连接大陆、职业与自我。 主要收获： * 17 岁赴墨尔本追爱，却意外开启厨艺人生 * 初到澳洲的文化冲击让她重新认识自我 * 在厨艺学校找到了对烹饪的热爱 * 回国后激发了创业精神 * 私人定制餐饮项目取得成功 * 参加电视美食节目的经历紧张而高压 * 尽管拥有明星厨师身份，她仍更重视隐私 * 在中国创办多家餐饮初创企业 * 经历了行业的快速变迁与高强度创造压力 * 后来转入咨询行业，虽收获职场经验，却受限于企业结构 * 渴望重获创作自由，于是决定开设自己的餐厅 * Alinta 将澳洲与中国的风味、记忆与技艺融为一体 * 她亲自打造餐厅品牌、设计形象与吉祥物 * 认为食物是文化的桥梁，连接澳洲与中国的经历 * 在竞争激烈的上海市场中，她珍视与常客的长期关系 * 她强调每个人都需要一个“百分之百属于自己”的空间 * 希望通过分享经验，帮助更多餐饮从业者 * 她的经历展现了乐观、勇气与冒险精神的重要性 节目章节： 00:00 探索“临界空间”：节目介绍 05:20 跨文化适应：融入澳洲生活 11:06 从厨艺学校到高级餐厅：职业起点 16:30 创业精神：回到中国 20:22 餐饮行业的现实：爱与压力 25:06 精致餐饮背后的高压 28:50 用食物建立人与人的联系 30:44 走上荧幕：厨艺节目经历 31:37 面对烹饪节目的挑战 32:38 上海的快节奏生活 33:36 回国后的文化再适应 34:44 上海餐饮业的演变 35:37 科技如何改变餐饮体验 36:35 关于名气与隐私的思考 37:26 从“明星厨师”到创业者的转型 38:25 健康饮食新趋势的兴起 39:14 餐饮创业的经验教训 40:12 咨询行业的学习与限制 41:06 平衡创意与商业的挑战 42:01 餐饮事业的未来展望 45:27 从咨询到再创业的转折 49:10 疫情对职业选择的影响 52:53 Alinta 诞生：一个烹饪梦想的实现 57:43 打造独特品牌与形象设计 01:03:22 意外重逢：命运的回环 01:04:16 食物作为文化的桥梁 01:07:36 菜单设计与顾客互动的演进 01:11:03 适应顾客偏好与餐饮趋势 01:12:33 创业与“拥有感”的旅程 01:15:46 对餐饮未来的展望 01:18:06 拥抱挑战与积极心态 01:19:11 推荐与个人喜好 联系方式 小红书 | tinayuezhao Instagram | tinayyue 商务邮箱 | tinayuezhao@gmail.com 关于本播客 本播客由 C² Collective 出品。 C² 是一个跨文化的非营利青年社区，致力于激发好奇、促进连接、并推动积极改变。我们在中国及世界各地举办活动、运营社会创新网络，并出版双语通讯 Curation²。 了解更多内容，请访问 👉 https://csquared-collective.com/ 音乐：Megan Tan 视觉设计：Cindy Zhang

In this episode, we sit down with Owen Sutter—an Oregonian who crossed the Pacific in search of opportunity, challenge, and a life that would never feel boring. From the chaotic charm of Ho Chi Minh City to the hyper-efficient pace of Shenzhen, Owen’s story reflects what happens when you place yourself at the edge of comfort and let the world reshape you. We talk about ethical manufacturing, cultural immersion, and why Owen built a travel backpack brand, XOÀI Packs, rooted in transparency and fair labor. We explore the differences between Vietnamese warmth and Chinese ambition, the loneliness and beauty of building community from scratch, and how oil painting unexpectedly became his anchor in a new city. At its core, this conversation is about designing a life the way you design a product: with intention, curiosity, and an open heart. Key Themes * Identity & culture in motion * Living abroad as a catalyst for personal reinvention * Ethical supply chains & transparent product pricing * Individualism vs. collectivism across cultures * Community-building in Vietnam and Shenzhen * Art as mindfulness & meaning-making * Creativity, risk, and designing a non-boring life * The philosophy of liminal spaces Takeaways * Liminal spaces help us understand who we are becoming. * Cultural immersion—done honestly—reshapes worldview and values. * Transparency in pricing and production can benefit both maker and buyer. * Career pivots during COVID required self-advocacy and courage. * Vietnam taught Owen the power of community, warmth, and slowing down. * Ethical manufacturing demands more than certifications; it requires care. * Work-life balance dramatically differs across Asia. * Painting helps Owen appreciate the world with more attention and presence. * Building community in Shenzhen requires intention; hustle culture can isolate. * Designing a travel backpack was as much about designing a life. * Keeping an open heart invites opportunities you couldn’t plan for. * Avoiding a “boring life” became a guiding principle. * Being in a liminal space often opens more doors than it closes. Chapters 00:00 — Exploring Liminal Spaces 01:14 — Introducing Owen Sutter 01:58 — The Backpack Business & Transparent Pricing 04:08 — Growing Up in the Pacific Northwest 06:13 — Career Pathfinding During COVID 08:19 — How the Pandemic Shaped Opportunity 12:40 — First Impressions of Vietnam 15:14 — Individualism vs. Collectivism 18:45 — Early Influences and Emerging Goals 23:16 — Inside Vietnam’s Manufacturing Ecosystem 27:41 — Supply Chain Challenges & Factory Realities 30:28 — Cultural Differences in Problem-Solving 33:48 — The Rising Potential of Vietnam 36:25 — Building Community Abroad 41:32 — Navigating Culture in Daily Life 44:15 — The Leap to Shenzhen 46:05 — Art as Expression & Mindfulness 50:36 — Finding an Artistic Community 54:54 — Challenges of Making Friends in Shenzhen 58:35 — Building the Travel Backpack Business 01:02:47 — Ethical Manufacturing & Values 01:06:28 — Vision for XOÀI Packs & Personal Growth 01:09:33 — Immersing in China’s Complexity 01:14:28 — Designing Life Through Opportunity 01:20:44 — Creative Recommendations & Closing Owen's backpack project: www.xoaipacks.com Email for inquiries: Owen@xoaipacks.com Owen’s Newly Published Travel Writing: https://www.newenglishreview.org/articles/84984-2/ This podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/ Music by Megan Tan Art by Cindy Zhang 从俄勒冈到越南再到中国：Owen Sutter 谈伦理制造、艺术与一段“在路上”的人生 在本期节目中，我们与 Owen Sutter 对谈——一位从俄勒冈跨越太平洋、寻找机会、挑战，以及“不无聊的人生”的年轻人。从胡志明市的混乱魅力，到深圳的高速律动，Owen 的旅程展示了：当一个人甘愿站在舒适区边缘，让世界重新塑造你时，会发生什么。 我们聊到 伦理制造、文化沉浸，以及他为何打造了透明定价、注重公平劳动的旅行背包品牌 XOÀI Packs。我们也讨论越南式的温暖与中国式的雄心之间的差异、在异乡从零建立社区的孤独与美感，以及为什么油画竟成了他在深圳扎根的方式。 归根到底，这期节目探讨的，是如何像设计产品一样——以 意图、好奇、与一颗敞开的心——来设计人生。 核心主题 * 身份与文化的流动 * 海外生活如何成为自我重塑的催化剂 * 伦理供应链与透明定价 * 个人主义与集体主义的文化差异 * 在越南与深圳建立社区 * 艺术作为正念与意义的来源 * 创造力、风险，以及拒绝“无聊人生” * “过渡空间”（liminal space）的哲学 收获要点 * 过渡空间帮助我们理解正在成为的自己。 * 真诚的文化沉浸会重塑价值观与人生观。 * 透明的生产与定价，对消费者与生产者都有益。 * COVID 时期的职业转向需要自我争取与勇气。 * 越南教会了 Owen 社区、温暖和生活节奏的力量。 * 伦理制造不仅是认证，更是一种关怀。 * 亚洲各地的工作文化与生活平衡差异巨大。 * 绘画让人以更专注的方式欣赏世界。 * 在深圳建立社区需要刻意行动；“奋斗文化”容易让人孤立。 * 设计旅行背包，也是设计人生的一部分。 * 保持一颗敞开的心，会迎来意想不到的机遇。 * “不要过无聊人生”成为他的准则。 * 身处“过渡空间”，往往能看到更多可能。 章节结构 00:00 — 探索 Liminal Spaces 01:14 — 认识 Owen Sutter 01:58 — 背包品牌与透明定价 04:08 — 成长于美国西北 06:13 — COVID 期间的职业探索 08:19 — 疫情如何改变机会 12:40 — 对越南的第一印象 15:14 — 个人主义 vs. 集体主义 18:45 — 早期影响与未来目标 23:16 — 越南制造业的内部生态 27:41 — 供应链挑战与工厂现实 30:28 — 文化差异与问题解决方式 33:48 — 越南的潜力 36:25 — 在海外建立社区 41:32 — 日常生活中的文化碰撞 44:15 — 移居深圳的跃迁 46:05 — 艺术、表达与正念 50:36 — 寻找艺术社群 54:54 — 在深圳交朋友的挑战 58:35 — 构建旅行背包事业 01:02:47 — 伦理制造与价值观 01:06:28 — XOÀI Packs 的愿景与个人成长 01:09:33 — 深度融入中国 01:14:28 — 用机会设计人生 01:20:44 — 创意推荐与结束语 相关链接 Owen 的背包项目：www.xoaipacks.com 商业合作邮箱：Owen@xoaipacks.com Owen’s 新出版的旅游文章: https://www.newenglishreview.org/articles/84984-2/ 关于本播客 本播客由 C² Collective 出品——一个跨文化的非营利青年社区，致力于激发好奇、连接文化、并推动积极改变。我们举办活动、运营社会创新网络，并出版双语通讯 Curation²：https://csquared-collective.com/ 音乐：Megan Tan 视觉设计：Cindy Zhang

What does it mean to build something massive, precise, and powerful—while rebuilding your own sense of belonging? In this episode of Liminal Space, host Susan Su and co-host Matt Lu talk with Julia Meyn, a naval engineer from Texas now working in Jiangyin, China. Julia shares her journey into the world of shipbuilding, from feeling like an outsider in her engineering program to forging a place for herself in China’s high-speed maritime industry. We explore what it’s like to live and work in a small industrial town as a young foreign woman, the cultural differences that show up on factory floors, and how China's shipyards are quietly leading the global push for cleaner, more efficient vessels. Julia reflects on daily life in Jiangyin, the slow evolution of tech in the maritime world, and the personal growth that comes with stepping far outside your comfort zone. It’s a conversation about metal, memory, and making it work—one conversation, one weld, one word at a time. Takeaways: * Julia's journey to shipbuilding began with a passion for languages and cultures. * She felt out of place in college due to her lack of a familial connection to shipbuilding. * China's shipbuilding industry is massive and global, with a focus on efficiency. * Surveying in the maritime industry involves verifying compliance with safety standards. * Julia's first impressions of Jiangyin were shaped by her experiences in Shanghai. * Finding community in a small town can be challenging, but Julia adapted by expanding her social circles. * China's shipyards are capable of building 40 ships a year, showcasing their efficiency. * The maritime industry is slow to adapt to new technologies, but there is a push for greener practices. * Ship owners play a crucial role in commissioning ships, often opting for foreign classification societies. * Innovative designs, like wind sails, are being explored to enhance ship efficiency. Implementing novel technology in shipbuilding is challenging. * Daily interactions involve navigating language barriers and cultural differences. * Experience in China accelerates learning and skill development. * Building relationships with local stakeholders is crucial. * The shipbuilding industry offers diverse daily tasks and challenges. * Cultural integration involves understanding social dynamics and expectations. * Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. * Learning a new language enhances communication and connection. * The importance of patience and observation in a foreign work environment. * Future career paths may differ significantly from current experiences. Chapters: 02:02 Julia Meyn: A Unique Journey in Shipbuilding 02:50 The Intersection of Cultures: Julia's Background and Interests 06:00 Navigating the Maritime Industry: Julia's College Experience 07:02 Surveying in Shipbuilding: Julia's Current Role 09:47 The Decision to Move to China: Opportunities and Challenges 14:33 First Impressions of Jiangyin: Adapting to Small Town Life 17:26 Building Community: Finding Connections in Jiangyin 20:18 Shipbuilding in China: Efficiency and Scale 25:33 Comparing American and Chinese Shipbuilding Practices 29:03 Environmental Sustainability in Maritime: The Shift to LNG 31:15 Global Shipping Dynamics: Ownership and Production 32:41 Navigating Classification Societies 33:59 The Role of Third-Party Inspectors 36:44 Building Relationships in Ship Construction 38:07 Innovative Ship Design: Wind Sails 42:27 Cultural Attitudes Towards New Technology 45:04 Daily Life as a Maritime Engineer in China 51:49 Lessons Learned in Two Years of Experience 56:15 Navigating New Construction Challenges 58:22 Future Aspirations and Career Growth 01:02:33 Social Challenges in a Small Town 01:11:30 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear 01:15:40 Recommendations and Reflections Julia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-meyn-480326185/ Julia's Email: jmeyn@eagle.org This podcast is brought to you by C^2 Collective, a multicultural nonprofit community empowering young people across China and beyond to think curiously, connect across cultures, and create positive change. We host events, run a social innovation network, and publish the Curation^2 newsletter @ https://csquared-collective.com/ Video Format on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NftknUfexXY&t=329s&ab_channel=LiminalSpacePodcast Music by Megan Tan Art by Cindy Zhang 播客简介（中文） 《从德州到江阴：一位造船工程师的中国故事》 在建造一艘庞大、精密、强大的船只的同时，如何重新构建自己的归属感？ 在本期《Liminal Space》中，主持人 Susan Su 与联合主持人 Matthew Lu 对话Julia Meyn——一位来自美国德克萨斯州、现居中国江阴的海事工程师。Julia 分享了她进入船舶制造行业的独特旅程，从大学期间在工程专业感到格格不入，到如今在中国这个高速发展的造船强国中找到自己的定位。 本期节目聚焦于：作为一名年轻的外国女性，在中国小城市生活与工作的真实体验；在船厂的日常中，如何面对文化差异与语言障碍；以及中国造船业如何在全球范围内引领高效、绿色转型。Julia 也反思了江阴的生活节奏、海事行业的技术变革，以及身处陌生环境中所带来的个人成长。 这是一次关于钢铁、记忆与适应力的对话——每一次交谈、每一道焊缝、每一个词语，都是她造船也造人生的旅程。 重点摘录 * Julia 进入船舶行业的初心来自于对语言与文化的热爱 * 大学期间，她因缺乏家族背景而在工程专业感到孤独 * 中国造船业规模庞大、全球领先，效率极高 * 海事“检验”工作涉及对安全规范的全面审核 * Julia 对江阴的第一印象深受在上海生活经历的影响 * 在小城市建立社交网络虽然困难，但她逐步拓展了自己的朋友圈 * 一家中国船厂一年可建造多达 40 艘船，效率惊人 * 船舶行业技术更新缓慢，但正逐步向环保能源（如 LNG）靠拢 * 许多船东仍倾向选择国外船级社进行认证 * 像“风帆”这样的创新设计正被探索以提高船舶能效 * 新技术在船舶制造领域的落地难度很大 * 日常工作中要不断跨越语言与文化的鸿沟 * 在中国工作极大加快了学习曲线与专业成长 * 与本地相关方的关系建立至关重要 * 造船行业每天面对的任务丰富且挑战多变 * 融入当地文化需要理解复杂的社会互动规则 * 接纳变化是走向成长与机会的关键一步 * 学习语言能有效提升沟通效率与人际连结 * 在异国职场中，耐心与观察是非常重要的能力 * 未来的职业路径或将与当前截然不同 节目章节 02:02 Julia Meyn：造船之路的特别启程 02:50 跨文化成长背景与兴趣 06:00 初入海事行业：大学阶段的探索与挑战 07:02 当前岗位：船舶检验工作日常 09:47 来中国的决定：机遇与未知 14:33 初见江阴：从大城市到小镇的适应 17:26 社交网络建设：如何在新环境中建立联系 20:18 中国造船业的规模与效率 25:33 中美造船实践的对比 29:03 绿色航运趋势：LNG 与环保探索 31:15 全球造船格局：船东与生产之间的博弈 32:41 船级社的角色与影响 33:59 第三方检验员的职责 36:44 船厂中的关系建立与协作 38:07 船舶创新设计：风帆的可能性 42:27 对新技术的文化接受度 45:04 海事工程师在中国的日常节奏 51:49 工作两年的核心收获 56:15 面对新船建造挑战的经验 58:22 对未来职业发展的思考 01:02:33 小城市生活的社交挑战 01:11:30 拥抱变化，面对不确定性 01:15:40 给年轻人的建议与反思 来宾资料 & 出品机构 Julia 的 LinkedIn 简历: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-meyn-480326185/ Julia电子邮件: jmeyn@eagle.org 本播客由 C² Collective 出品 我们是一个多元文化非营利社群，致力于赋能中国及全球的年轻人——鼓励他们以好奇心思考、以真实连接、以创造力推动积极改变。我们组织线下活动，推动社会创新项目，并每周发布中英双语的灵感通讯《Curation²》官网可以获得更多信息。 官网：www.csquared-collective.com 封面设计：Cindy Zhang 音乐制作：Megan Tan