Explore every episode of the podcast The Audio Blog of Steven Sirski

The friend requests begin! Actually… only one. Two groups said hi, the other hasn’t said anything.

Rent paid… have a home or place to stay for another three months!

Workout in! Shoulders, rows, deadlifts then did 100 pull ups in 15 minutes. 7 km run in 53.34, not extras, except a few rounds of more pull ups, push ups n squats. Let’s change it up.

Signed up for an AI sprint class, two hours $130CAD on how to build an APP. This is something that needs to be done.

And Chinese stonks a popping, GOLD a roaring and SILVER a stomping!

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup

00:25 Daily Routine and Workout

00:43 Semester Plans and Teaching Challenges

05:21 Student Interactions and WeChat Concerns

06:24 Reflections on Teaching and Critical Thinking

10:13 University Policies and Teacher Turnover

18:19 Financial Matters and Investments

25:49 Fitness Goals and Workout Adjustments

30:10 AI Sprint Class and Online Courses

34:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Run done and some ball slams! 7km in 52.23, but they’re spraying inside the compound.

8am starts Monday! Not sure I like this and already looking forward to December!

The leaders are coming! But I’ll be in class. What’s even going on for Sept 3rd?

TikTok outreach continues, building a list, podcast listens spiked, no conversions. Sales is different from marketing is different from content creation.

Claude Pro breaking down, ChatGPT still chugs along.

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***

Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Workout Routine

00:43 Weight Loss Journey and Workout Adjustments

02:35 Challenges of Balancing Work and Fitness

03:19 Hair Care and Workout Schedule

05:00 Contemplating Career Changes

06:55 University Semester Plans and Reflections

09:18 Rent and Real Estate in Beijing

14:57 Business Ideas and Entrepreneurship

25:32 TikTok Outreach and Podcasting

33:50 AI Tools and Final Thoughts

Finally cooled down!

Steven, you’re not an English teacher, you’re a corporate consultant with a large company that has a lot of employees, many of whom look like students. How was the work meeting? Can’t say I’m convinced.

Raining quite a bit!

Workout in! But no run. Lunch time workout, then work meeting, then off to the gym for some squats and bench work + Jacob’s Ladder.

What is Italian Brain Rot? The mash up of different animals’ features.

New SLV podcast up! And a language check!

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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00:00 Introduction and Current Life in Beijing

01:04 Career Reflections and Job Changes

02:04 Current Job as a University Instructor

02:54 Challenges with University Administration

04:49 Podcasting and Content Creation

08:37 YouTube and Marketing Efforts

12:39 Starting a Business in China

17:39 Teaching and Technology in Education

23:00 Future Plans and Visa Concerns

34:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Well, I guess it’s back to the university and, yep, I’m looking forward to the breakfasts. Was informed there’s another guy I know who works with half the number of students and gets paid more. Ouch.

Creating a “Garrison of Content”, it’s taking a lot longer than I thought it would. YouTube, Podcast, Newsletter, and doing all sorts of cold outreach.

My back to school gift to myself? Looking at DaVinci Studio. I really want to use Final Cut but it takes me so long to edit the video podcast that I kinda wonder if it’s worth it.

Did try to get out for a workout, 5k run done in 38 min 20 sec, very slow. Some skips, then mace bells.

And how are those TikTok outreaches going? Spent four or five hours on it today!

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***

Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

And on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4

Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

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00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

01:05 Reflections on Career Choices

02:22 Challenges of Teaching and University Life

07:21 Leveraging Technology for Productivity

11:51 Exploring Cold Outreach and TikTok

12:39 ChatGPT and Business Coaching

13:59 Analyzing TikTok Outreach Results

18:56 Understanding the Marketing Ratios

20:47 Challenges in Content Creation

23:23 Exploring Video Editing Tools

26:18 The Benefits of DaVinci Resolve

34:26 Fitness and Personal Reflections

35:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The week starts and how will it end?

Another busy day, shot Episode 54 of the Language Vlog Podcast, what use is it for? DICTATIONS?!

TikTok cold outreach continues, how is it going?

ChatGPT, what say thee about my current predicament?

Workouts in, 7km in 47.08 + gym workout beforehand, but no skips, jumps, push ups or pistol squats.

Should I have gone to the GuoAn game?

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

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Hope you have a great start of week!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:34 Life in Beijing: A Canadian Expat's Journey

03:06 Podcasting During the Pandemic

05:48 Teaching in China: Challenges and Changes

10:07 Balancing Multiple Projects and Content Creation

32:08 Fitness Routine and Personal Reflections

36:26 Conclusion and Future Plans

It’s the weekend! And what does that even mean?

Tiktok for live streaming? Would it work?

Workouts in! Shoulders, rows, deadlifts and then the run! 6.02 km in 1 hr 12 min 15 seconds and… got ALL the pull ups with weight vest done! Maybe time to change this up?

Internet getting buggy, something must be up!

Bob Lazar Youtube interview from 1997:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmclCzGFotM

-Interesting, still the same story, but his explanation of the propulsion system is neat to hear. And makes me think of climate change! And the Zeta Reticula star system Is there a manufacturing hub for space ship parts??

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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00:00 Introduction and Weekend Musings

00:24 Bob Lazar and UFO Fascination

03:59 Detailed Insights on UFO Technology

10:07 Internet Issues and Upcoming Events

11:48 Workout Routine and Reflections

18:59 Life Decisions and Future Plans

24:30 Marketing Strategies and Social Media

31:33 Conclusion and Call to Action

Are we being prepped for UFOs? What happens when a stronger force meets a weaker force?

Got rid of more stuff! Computer monitor gone!

Broke my sports watch… it was already cracking.

Run done in 48 minutes and 18 seconds + slam ball.

SLV live stream continues!

And using TikTok for lead generation, who would’ve thought?!

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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00:00 Introduction and Daily Updates

00:32 Joe Rogan's UFO Discussions

01:26 The Fascination with UFOs and Alien Languages

03:29 Government Surveillance and UFO Disclosure

09:04 Personal Reflections on UFOs and Technology

11:21 Daily Routine and Fitness Updates

19:26 Discussing Workout Routine and Challenges

23:40 Live Streaming and Audience Engagement

25:37 Content Creation and Distribution

29:49 Exploring TikTok for Lead Generation

35:58 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

Workout in! Bench, Squats, but no run… wanted to get my video editing done.

Hearing lots of screaming on the compound lately.

China’s job market? Is it even worth it to graduate?

WSJ article about why people aren’t moving around as much.

https://www.wsj.com/economy/american-job-housing-economic-dynamism-d56ef8fc?

“Young graduates who don’t land good jobs soon after college often never really recover from those years of diminished earnings, widening the gap between the economy’s winners and losers.”

New SLV Chinese Progress Check in the works!

And the SLV book under construction!

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***

Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

And on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4

Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

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00:00 Introduction and Workout Routine

02:07 Editing and Language Projects

04:24 Challenges of Creating Content in Chinese

14:35 Thoughts on the Chinese Job Market

23:11 Reflections on Career Choices and Life Decisions

30:48 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

SLV Podcast up and out! Episode 53.

Working on LNKD material based off of all this IELTS stuff I’m making.

How is the housing market in China? better to rent or buy?

My apartment is about 54m2

Another apartment nearby is 50m2 and is going for 320万 = 3,200,00 RMB ~ $616,196.48 CAD. Downpayment is 480,000 RMB = $92,429.47 CAD

An apartment sized around 96m2 is going for 650万 = 6,500,000 RMB ~$1,251,649.10

Job market? Is it even worth it to graduate?

WSJ article about why people aren’t moving around as much.

https://www.wsj.com/economy/american-job-housing-economic-dynamism-d56ef8fc?

“Young graduates who don’t land good jobs soon after college often never really recover from those years of diminished earnings, widening the gap between the economy’s winners and losers.”

And Air Canada is back to work! Good. Though, when am I ever going to go back?

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

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00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:33 Air Canada Strike and Flight Costs

02:33 Podcasting Challenges and Reflections

13:15 LinkedIn and ESL Projects

17:44 Housing Market Insights

29:55 Stock Market Observations

33:10 Conclusion and Future Topics

Saw Dead to Rights (南京照相馆). Heartbreaking. Lots of people die. About the Japanese invasion of Nanjing and how the atrocities were documented. During the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, postman A Chang posed as a photo developer, helping Japanese forces while secretly sheltering Chinese refugees. He later risked his life evacuating them and revealing evidence of the atrocities.

-Use of propaganda to promote how good things were

-The difference between the North and the South Chinese and how they couldn’t coordinate a defense against the Japanese because they didn’t speak the same language

SLV podcast recorded.

Workouts in! Light weights at the gym, then 7km in 49min 3 seconds. Thought I could do the rope work tomorrow.

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:38 Movie Review: Dead to Rights

01:27 Historical Context: Japan-China Relations

04:25 Movie Analysis: Themes and Impact

10:47 Upcoming Movies and Historical Reflections

17:29 Personal Reflections and Podcast Plans

25:21 Daily Life and Future Topics

32:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

AI to ads it goes! The router will choose free or not! Story advertising but you’ll never know what’s an ad and what isn’t. Scary, and do I want to do this? It’s going to happen anyway.

Workouts in! New workout was alright, but maybe I didn’t lift enough. Deadlifts in 100 kg x 5 reps x 2 sets. 6.44 in 1 hr 24 min 14 sec. Only got 75 weighted pull ups in, but had already done 20-25 unweighted in the gym.

—

Full workout:

5 pull ups x 4

3x10 8.75 kg cross body lat pull-arounds

1 x 10 30 kg pulldown machine

2 x 10 35 kg pulldown machine

3x12 45 kg machine hip adductors

3x12 45 kg machine hip abductors

3x12 lying face pulls

13.75 kg

3x12 cable crunches

13.75 kg

5 dips x 4

3x8 low incline smith press

3x8 leg press

Deadlifts

2 sets x 5 reps 100kg

Finishing arms bi tri neck

—

Tried these IELTS chatbots aaaand… do they actually work?

Getting back to that SLV book I was going to publish in December.

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

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00:00 Introduction and Show Notes Overview

00:39 Reflecting on Podcasting Journey

02:04 Challenges of Live Streaming in China

03:02 Balancing Content Creation and Personal Goals

03:47 YouTube Shorts and Language Log Book

04:51 Evaluating YouTube and Social Media Strategy

09:49 Considering Membership Programs and Monetization

12:29 AI Tools and Their Impact on Content Creation

22:46 Workout Routine and Reflections

27:20 IELTS Chatbots and Language Learning

31:44 Conclusion and Call for Support

Can’t stream on Instagram any more! (Good thing I bought this ipad stand?)

Talking to a student about her English, currently an IELTS band 4, wants a 5.5 by October. I’m thinking: not impossible, but difficult. Just memorize better! And use this cathoven website.

Live streaming and out for noodles, a first in a very long time! Am I enjoying where I am?

That is, am I taking advantage of the opportunity of living where I am or am I leaving something on the table?

Kangaroo, Crocodile, and Emu jerky! How were they? And have you tried the Carolina Reaper yet?

New workout set up for Fridays?

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00:00 Introduction and Daily Life

00:48 YouTube and Content Creation Challenges

05:02 Instagram and Social Media Insights

12:43 Teaching English and Student Challenges

20:56 Live Streaming Adventures

29:46 Exotic Jerky Taste Test

32:37 New Workout Routine

33:20 Conclusion and Farewell

ASMR! To Melbourne! Let’s try this! I have a whole slew of videos I could make!!

Workouts in! Squats, bench, run, slam ball! 7km done in 47min 58sec. Good workout and good energy. Though… long.

We must be out of the dog days of summer. Still hot but much cooler than before.

They’re preparing for Victory! Forgot to mention they’re shutting down some streets over the weekend to prep for the Sept 3rd anniversary.

Looking into private health insurance, among other things.

And thinking… where would you go if you could go anywhere?

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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00:00 Introduction and Quick Updates

01:10 Podcasting Challenges and AI Editing

08:08 ASMR Videos and YouTube Strategy

14:35 Fitness Routine and Workout Insights

20:58 Victory Day Parade Preparations

26:37 Private Health Insurance Considerations

32:26 Reflecting on Life Choices and Future Plans

33:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

We got rain and it’s cooled down! More spectacle than act.

Thinking… can you really start your own business? What if the reality was that you were only going to close 1 out of every 4 deals? That is, the vast majority of people will reject you. To put this into perspective, if I’m teaching 100 students in a university class, that means, if it was on my own, I would’ve had to contact 400 students before the final registration numbers were in.

And that’s to say nothing of the all the admin work and other bureaucratic work that needs to happen to get everything in line.

But, the difference is that on your own the world is your oyster, your playground, your place to play. LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, XHS, etc. All free. But you’re in competition with EVERYBODY else who can do the exact same thing.

Will AI editing take away jobs? Or just mean you have to do more on your own? And more people will be able to do it?

And course creation continues!

And what is gerrymandering?

Would you trust cooked chicken on the counter top over night? Waste a food I guess.

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00:00 Introduction and Weather Update

00:43 Contemplating the Future of the Podcast

04:24 Midlife Crisis or Course Correction?

09:41 The Reality of Starting Your Own Business

17:09 AI Editing: A Game Changer?

24:00 Course Creation Insights

31:21 Understanding Gerrymandering

36:39 Conclusion and Farewell

Beginning of a new week!

NO TARIFFS on GOLD! It was a mistake. More to come! (GOLD down.)

SLV Episode 52 recorded and edited!

Will AI editing take away jobs? Or just mean you have to do more on your own? And more people will be able to do it?

Workouts in! Mace bells and kettle bells… getting a bit bored with these… or am I just concerned I’ll break something around the apartment? 7 km run in 50.57. Slow, but done.

One of the small supermarkets closed!

And is this it?

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00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:35 Daily Routine and Podcasting Challenges

02:08 The Big Podcast and Interview Techniques

04:17 Job Changes and Future Plans

04:47 Language Log Podcast and Content Creation

12:56 Podcasting Tools and Techniques

17:16 Supermarket Closures and Community Changes

19:55 Market Updates and Investment Advice

25:12 Fitness Routine and Personal Goals

27:25 Reflections on Life and Future Decisions

33:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

Lucky day! Friday the 8th!

Workouts in! Rows, shoulders, light deadlifts, then 7.20km run done in 1 hr 23 min 55 sec… got all 100 pull ups in outside with the vest on! While raining!

Tech stocks a stompin! AAPL, GOOGL, TSLA, not MSFT, OKLO (uranium company) - do you really care about how much energy LLMs take?

SWISS GOLD TARIFFED!

How did the Chinese stocks turn out? I need a better way to track all of these.

How do you name a Chinese business? And what do you do with it? Build a newsletter list? Social following?

And some AI music, what do you think?

What’s the best way to publish a newsletter for this podcast? Do I even need one?

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00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:26 AI Music and 11 Labs Subscription

05:25 Workout Routine and Fitness Goals

08:14 Market Analysis and Stock Insights

21:36 Business Ideas and Entrepreneurship

29:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Revisiting that info on China A-Shares:

Typical Speculative Run Patterns in China A Shares

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CzIZdAXpzVypzrQjoEmPH97Iiv7q8xncNzAy7WUT7vs/edit?usp=sharing

China A Share False Breakout Timeline Patterns

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LbzyiRSMyFG2tr9wyUK6ZY-vr2lFcrHK3akqJOMryzE/edit?usp=sharing

How was the pilates class yesterday?

Live stream done! Out and about walking around!

Other changes! They ripped out the elevator ads!

LinkedIn newsletters and live streams? B2B seems to be big.

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00:00 Introduction and Quick Updates

00:31 Starting a Business in China

02:55 Challenges and Considerations

03:49 Living Arrangements and Personal Life

07:23 University Job and Future Plans

11:17 Pilates Class Experience

15:48 Live Streaming and Social Media Strategy

19:10 LinkedIn and B2B Opportunities

23:27 Investing in China A Shares

35:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Rain and humidity! I thought this was over!

Is Beijing it? Would I miss it?

https://www.cathoven.com/

Changes a foot! More cameras, less toll booths! They ripped out two of those.

Workouts in! Pilates! Squats n bench (kinda)! And a 6.44km run in 45.07! Slow going but got it done!

And take a look at this info on China A-Shares:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CzIZdAXpzVypzrQjoEmPH97Iiv7q8xncNzAy7WUT7vs/edit?usp=sharing

And NO ONE is voting to open a company!

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00:00 Introduction and Weather Update

02:16 Changes in the Compound

05:57 Workout Routine and Store Closures

08:13 Thoughts on Returning to University

09:55 AI in Language Testing

17:54 Contemplating Starting a Business in China

29:37 Workout Recap and Pilates Experience

30:40 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Gold pops! Oooof! oil drops!

SLV podcast recorded! Idioms recorded! Busy day, could I do this full time?

Pilates done! Gotta go again tomorrow to use up my package!

Google out with a new app: Opal. Does this ever stop? More tools! New tools! How many are useful? How many do we need? Or are the big companies just trying to keep up and the smaller companies are just trying to get bought?

Got a Claude workflow to help research Chinese stocks. How is this going to work out?

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00:00 Introduction and Market Updates

01:02 Chinese Gold Stocks and Trading Strategies

02:36 Challenges of Trading in China

06:28 Recent Market Movements and Claude Pro Insights

10:40 Language Vlog and IELTS Course Development

12:35 Pilates Classes and Personal Reflections

19:36 Google's New App and Language Learning Tools

24:16 Future Plans and Content Creation Challenges

30:29 Conclusion and Farewell

Back is feeling a lot better! Workouts in! 7 km in 53.27. Did it first thing in the morning and WOW did my back hurt! Second part of the workout was done in the afternoon, but no real structure, just moving around with weights. Civic Day holiday in Canada. Markets closed. Bank stonks a roarin! Gold stocks a jiggling. Energy stocks a-correcting. New tariffs in play. Lead Gen a go go! How many people do you need to talk to to get a good response? How much can I automate? Donate to the show! PayPal link below! https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA *** Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com And on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4 Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog Hope you have a great one!! 00:00 Introduction and Canadian Civic Holiday 00:51 Ukrainian Festivals in Canada 02:57 Reflections on Life Changes and Online Presence 04:47 Back Pain and Workout Routine 09:21 Gym Experience and Business Ideas 11:30 Stock Market Insights and Predictions 19:09 AI as a Business Coach and Eliza Effect 20:34 The Eliza Effect and Emotional Attachment to AI 21:24 ChatGPT's Engagement Tactics 22:10 Navigating AI Suggestions and Rabbit Holes 22:36 Personal Data and Trust Issues with AI 28:44 Lead Generation Strategies with AI 32:16 Conversion Rates and Pricing Strategies 34:05 Automating Outreach and Content Creation 37:37 Final Thoughts and Podcast Updates

This episode is brought to you by Sirski Consulting! Need advice on what to do and where to go in China? Looking for information about the Chinese stock market? Debating whether life overseas is really for you? Sirski Consulting is here for you. Whether it’s family, solo, a year or two, Sirski Consulting can help you make a decision of a lifetime. Sirski Consulting, contact us today!

It’s August!

Could I start holding live events and webinars?

Made a free video today to match my new free 10 point guide to IELTS. Took the morning to record. Now available on Buy Me A Coffee / Steven’s Language Vlog. Working on the rest.

Workouts in, but modified. Something tweaked in my back this morning and it never fixed itself. So, no big lifts, but still went to the gym to do modified versions of exercises, and a 7km run in 47.02. Carrying stuff on my right side was fine, but not my left.

And all of this reminds me of 2008 and the reason I started working and travelling in the first place.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:47 Personal Background and Current Dilemma

01:36 Daily Routine and Workload

03:29 Leveraging AI Tools

05:59 Teaching vs. New Ventures

07:50 Creating and Marketing Content

15:13 Sales Strategies and Webinars

21:23 Planning IELTS Video Series

21:54 Avoiding Distractions in Videos

22:55 Reflecting on Past Decisions

24:28 Graduate Studies and Career Choices

28:29 Teaching English Abroad

33:17 Future Business Plans

40:20 Fitness Routine and Injuries

41:59 Closing Remarks and Future Projects

End of the month! Here we go! To where?

731 video clips hitting XHS. What is this and why is it important?

Can’t copy the bloody PDFs! Have to re-do!

Live stream done! Language learning and AI.

Views sure have dried up on the language vlog. They don’t like Australia. Or they don’t like me?

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Current Status

01:28 Challenges with YouTube and Content Creation

03:09 Language Learning and Future Plans

10:48 Technical Issues and Solutions

22:59 Reflections on Historical Events

30:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Up early and getting at it!

Wrote a book! Or at least the first draft. 31 days to better IELTS. Initially written for Threads, then plopped into Claude for expansion, now, time to revise. Goal is to have this out soon. Will go through some of the pages tomorrow and start videoing them.

Workouts in! Squats! Bench! Accessories! Then a run! 7km in 44.18! Fast today for some reason.

Off to a show! A first in a long time. The Blue Note jazz club right next to Tiananmen. Saw Lucy Luan play guzheng with Liron Man on the handpan. Um… she will be on the vlog soon.

Bike rides both ways and finishing off with KaoLengMian! Oops!

And something is percolating in the markets, China stonks a movin!

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Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Morning Routine

00:50 Planning an IELTS Course

01:52 Creating Content and Using AI Tools

04:21 Recording and Publishing Strategy

08:53 Stock Market Insights

19:08 Workout Routine and Evening Plans

21:06 Attending a Jazz Show

28:00 Late Night Reflections and Conclusion

Rain is gone, but 30 people died.

Where did all of these other crypto currencies come from? What’s backstopping them? And what are they worth? Are they literally just inventing and printing money?

Workout in! And then a nap! 3 km in 20 minutes, then off to the gym to do some accessory work, or just gentle lifting.

Canadian ENERGY finally seeing light, GOLD stocks turning over? Is this because of the trade deal?

Am I an expert in podcasting? ChatGPT says I’m doing good. Is an hour with ChatGPT in the morning the new therapy session? The new business coach? The new… line manager?!

XHS can AI summarize your search result, even citing a couple of accounts. What is the state of the scroll?

And my rock cactus died!

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Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Recent Events

00:39 Reflections on the Flooding in Beijing

03:00 Weather and Seasonal Changes

04:13 Career Contemplations and Podcasting

08:51 Cryptocurrency Musings

12:07 Investment Insights

18:15 Daily Routine and Fitness

22:37 AI and Productivity Tools

30:23 Plant Care and Conclusion

It’s supposed to RAIN!

Workout in, but only the run (7km in 51.56) and circuits, slow going, and no platform class. Tomorrow? Mace bells? LOTS of mosquitoes!

Remember I talked about getting cited by AI? Well, there’ve already been articles written about it.

https://writesonic.com/blog/how-to-get-cited-by-ai

https://writesonic.com/blog/llm-txt-guide

Got the Zapier workflow to work with Claude. Finally!

Looking into the CELPIP training… Canadian exclusive. Might be interesting… or at least something to do while in Canada.

And my aloe vera plant fell over! Too big! That’s what she said!

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great start of week!

00:00 Introduction and Weather Update

00:17 Workout Routine and Challenges

03:23 Reflections on Work and Burnout

08:37 AI and Content Creation

13:07 Language Learning and Teaching Insights

20:17 AI Workflows and Automation

33:31 Plant Troubles and Conclusion

Rained just about all day!

Workouts in! A slog of a run: 6.03km in 1hr 14 min 16 sec. 66 pull ups, 132 push ups and 198 squats. Rows, shoulders and deadlifts. Tried 150 kg again and couldn’t move it. 140 went up once, then 130.

Got a couple videos done from Australia. Want to get these done as soon as possible so I can release some of the Chinese videos I have ready to go.

Hulk Hogan has died, guess that answers my question about who’s next. XHS hating on him pretty hard.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great weekend!

00:00 Introduction and Recent Events

00:58 Reflecting on Hulk Hogan's Legacy

01:57 The Reality of Pro Wrestling

03:57 Behind the Scenes of WWE

06:28 Podcast Appearances and Wrestling Stories

14:52 The Dark Side of Fame

21:46 Upcoming Projects and Workouts

33:21 Conclusion and Farewell

Rain rain go away come again … tomorrow?

Steve, why do you need all of these agents for language learning? Don’t you live in China and have lots of tools and exposure to the language? Yes. But…

SLV live stream all about the IELTS band descriptors. Spoke with that guy who runs an agency here and we got talking about the need to understand how the band descriptors work. So, this is an introduction to them.

GREAT NAP today! Sleep inertia? Wow. Took a couple of hours and now I’m WIRED!

New interview lead email… recent, cinnamon buns, Matebook Fold, and an interview request… for the CEO to be on my podcast. But, which one?

And what if I just went travelling?

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Weather Update

00:20 AI Agents for Language Learning

00:39 Daily Life and Reflections

01:56 Challenges with AI Agents

02:45 Language Learning Tools and Techniques

05:23 YouTube Channel and Podcast Insights

09:05 IELTS Band Descriptors Explained

11:29 Future Plans and Career Decisions

19:02 Travel and Language Barriers

26:13 Nap Time and Sleep Inertia

29:40 Podcasting and Interview Leads

34:05 Conclusion and Farewell

Ozzy Osbourne has passed away, aged 76. Life of sex, drugs and rock n roll… still dies.

Manus agents worked! Both Chinese and Russian. Zapier? Only Russian worked. Chinese didn’t.

Spent the morning looking at Deep Learning - what did I learn? It’s all very technical. Not sure I want to be digging into code at the moment.

https://www.deeplearning.ai/courses/

SLV podcast out! Episode 49! Thinking what else I could add to the membership program. Should I split the podcast from the YouTube channel?

Workouts in! 6.5 km in 42.59. Squats, legs, bench, chest, run, then platform pilates workout to cap it all off.

And CRYPTO drops, Chinese stocks rock?

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a good Wednesday on the Crazy Train!

00:00 Introduction and Breaking News

00:45 Reflecting on Ozzy Osborne's Legacy

03:08 Personal Reflections and Life Choices

09:13 AI Agents and Automation Challenges

15:38 Language Learning and Podcast Updates

25:07 Fitness Routine and Reflections

31:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Almost the end of July and the Dog Days are almost upon us!

Hot, but not as hot as a few years’ back.

SLV podcast edited, will post tomorrow. Now looking to cut back on some of the software I’m paying for (repurpose.io is one that comes to mind).

Manus automation: we’ll see if it works AND can be done FREE with limited credits. Aaaaand is now not available in China.

Don’t forget your language studies! Reading Outlaws of the Marsh! All of this AI stuff has me being mindful not to lose track of what is important: making language learning easier.

And CRYPTO roaring, GOLD rushing, OIL a dropping?

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***

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great Tuesday!

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates

01:00 Membership Program and Transcription Tools

02:30 Challenges with Podcasting and Editing

05:56 Automation and AI Tools

24:20 Language Studies and Personal Reflections

28:13 Market Updates: Crypto, Gold, and Oil

33:12 Conclusion and Farewell

New week begins! Productive weekend!

Saw a movie! The Lychee Road! Pretty good.

Saw the new Huawei Matebook Fold

SLV podcast recorded, should be up soon.

Workouts in! 7.5km in 52.49, then maces and bells, then skips and circuits, then… Blue Frog!

And damn… found cinnamon buns imported from Guangzhou!

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***

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great start of week!

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap

00:29 Cinnamon Buns from Guang Jo

02:17 Blue Frog Burger Night

06:25 Movie Review: The Leche Road

16:24 Tech Talk: Huawei Mate Book Fold

26:31 Language Log and Podcast Updates

28:29 Workout Routine and Reflections

31:39 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Bought an API key! They got my money and my credit card deets!

But can’t the Zapier+Claude connection to work because of OAuth… and the firewall.

Need to tweak those AI Agents, still not doing what they’re supposed to.

SSAB Newsletter in Chinese?! Why not?!

STOP MAKING STUFF! USE WHAT YOU’VE GOT! Says the AI Man Behind the Curtain. Guess I should start building some courses.

Workouts in! Shoulders, rows, deadlifts (topped 150kg x 1 today), 50 pull up push ups, get ups, dips, then out for a 5.5km run in 56.31 to finish up with another 61 pull ups or so.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great weekend!!

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

00:12 API Key Troubles and AI Agents

01:12 Challenges with Western Apps in China

01:53 Automating Podcast Administration

02:02 Newsletter and Substack Issues

02:49 API Key Purchase and Usage

04:12 Zapier and Claude Integration Struggles

07:00 Language Vlog Newsletter Experiment

16:13 Future Plans and AI Integration

26:25 Workouts and Fitness Routine

35:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More troubles with the AI Agents… are they worth it? Might be another way to get this done.

Did some of the languages today, going back to the age-old argument: is it better to spend time learning the language or exploring the country and its culture?

Shot some videos today, we’ll see how that goes.

Live streams in! Characters and resources!

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Current Thoughts

00:44 Considering a Business Venture

02:24 Challenges in Teaching and Technology

03:34 Student Placement Agency Insights

05:52 Debating Travel vs. Studying

07:40 Past Travel Experiences

12:54 Language Learning Challenges

22:33 AI Agents and Automation Issues

30:19 Conclusion and Future Plans

The burger is gone… because I had another pilates class or whatever it is! Went to PanemorFit. Smaller classes, a touch more difficult, but mainly because of holding the poses for so long.

Run in! 7.02km in 43.36. Went fast today. Also managed to get the squats and bench in today too!

Returned one of the cell phone sticks I bought, easy as pie! Apply for refund and they send a guy to pick it up!

New SLV podcast out! Am thinking… is this what I want to do? What else would I want to do?

Throwing out more stuff, but debating… is this move necessary right now?

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Daily Routine

00:27 Debating the Necessity of Moving

01:27 Housing and Visa Dilemmas

05:04 Career Reflections and Future Plans

24:05 Fitness and Workout Regimen

34:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Monday and back at it! But slow going.

Got my Zapier AI Agents working again.

Chinese done, thinking… should I do the HSK 5 test this year? Build it up on YouTube?

SLV podcast recorded, will edit tomorrow. Didn’t know I could view my iPad screen from QuickTime!

Workout in! 6.5 km in 43 min 56 sec. Tried to do the skips, push ups, tuck jumps and pistol squats but only got through three rounds. Knees were hurting!

Off to Blue Frog for two for ones… ooof ate one and that was too much! And have another one for tomorrow! Aaand, Mile High burger is same same, just different pictures.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great start of week!

00:00 Introduction and Monday Evening Recap

00:35 The Blue Frog Burger Experience

02:11 Workout Struggles and Reflections

14:12 Cleaning and Decluttering

21:01 AI Projects and Language Learning

31:26 Podcast Recording and Final Thoughts

SSAB - July 14, 2025

Monday and back at it! But slow going.

Got my Zapier AI Agents working again.

Chinese done, thinking… should I do the HSK 5 test this year? Build it up on YouTube?

SLV podcast recorded, will edit tomorrow. Didn’t know I could view my iPad screen from QuickTime!

Workout in! 6.5 km in 43 min 56 sec. Tried to do the skips, push ups, tuck jumps and pistol squats but only got through three rounds. Knees were hurting!

Off to Blue Frog for two for ones… ooof ate one and that was too much! And have another one for tomorrow! Aaand, Mile High burger is same same, just different pictures.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great start of week!

00:00 Introduction and Monday Evening Recap

00:35 The Blue Frog Burger Experience

02:11 Workout Struggles and Reflections

14:12 Cleaning and Decluttering

21:01 AI Projects and Language Learning

31:26 Podcast Recording and Final Thoughts

Hot and humid but getting things done! Early morning Chinese character review.

Workouts in, the gym was no cooler! Up early for a run (5.82km in 46.41), midday gym visit for 55 pull ups, push ups and squats + Turkish get ups, farmers carries, dips. Then out for another run (it was cooler outside) to finish up the pull ups by the tree and to run another 1.33 km.

Stuff gone! Weights are moved and it gives me a bit more room to maneuver BUT! These stands I got? Add to the clutter. Time to start shooting videos to justify their purchase!

Out to Blue Frog for dinner, they removed the double burger and now have some sort of “Mile High” burger!

Could I get certified as a Chinese teacher?

Latest APP adventure? A Chinese character breakdown site… turns out MDBG does it better.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great weekend!

00:00 Introduction and Morning Routine

01:33 Running and Workout Challenges

06:48 Live Streaming and Language Learning

14:25 Thoughts on Becoming a Certified Chinese Teacher

19:55 App Development and Future Plans

31:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Feeling stuffy for some reason, not sure if it’s allergies or sickness.

Stuff’s a moving! Got rid of one box (Chinese flash cards!) with another bundle of stuff promised to move tomorrow and more next week!

Made an APP! Micro APPs a go go! Claude to Replit to PUBLISHED! Looks spiffy.

Now, how to make this language-independent?

Gearing up for live streams and content creation. DID buy two stands for my iPhone and iPad so I can record easier (it’s actually why I went to the JD mall over the weekend).

What if… rented the apartment for another few months, STILL went back to Canada, but then came back to China in November/December?

Sheeeit getting cool.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Daily Routine

00:36 Dealing with Allergies and Weather

02:07 Decluttering and Moving Stuff

02:27 Flashcards and Language Learning

08:57 Home Workouts and Equipment

17:02 Contemplating Life Changes

22:45 Live Streaming and Tech Setup

24:52 Exploring AI and App Development

36:11 Conclusion and Future Plans

Live stream failed! Gotta do it earlier!

Workouts in! Squats, bench, rows, run (6.5km in 47.26), slam ball.

Talking to a guy doing my old job, he’s leaving already!

Started up at 6 am, worked till 11.30 or so, is this it?

Do I really want to move?

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great hump day!

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

00:41 Challenges of Live Streaming in Beijing

07:10 Workout Routine and Reflections

14:42 Contemplating Life Changes and Future Plans

28:54 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Pilates again! How will my glutes fare for this one?

Humid again, so feeling sluggish.

What’s this Airtable thing?

Replit, worth it? We’ll see.

Chinese characters done! But no livestream.

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great Tuesday!!

00:00 Introduction and Daily Update

00:52 Pilates Experience and Reflections

02:52 Routine Adjustments and Productivity

08:06 Exploring Airtable and Its Features

11:27 AI Tools and Content Creation

22:14 Educational Games and Brand Building

30:17 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Busy day but workouts in!

SLV podcast recorded and set up to go, thinking… should I turn the transcripts into a membership offer?

Going back to the body lab tomorrow! Run done today, slow going! 7km in 51 min or so, then skips, push ups, tuck jumps and pistol squats. Followed by mace and clubs workout.

Chinese characters getting done, but how many do I really want to do?

A visit to the new JingDong mall… a bit of a disappointment. Not much needed there, but they did have a Page One bookstore that had an LP section. Why?

And looking to create an APP with Airtable.

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

And on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4

Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Daily Update

00:58 Decluttering and Home Workouts

03:38 Workout Routine and Reflections

09:00 Body Lab and Pilates Class

11:05 Language Learning and Podcasting

26:51 Exploring the New Jingdong Mall

32:09 Conclusion and Future Plans

How are those glutes?

Happy USAmerican Independence Day!

Thought about recording, but why did I not?

In talks to do some funny English videos, should be interesting to see how this goes.

Hot and humid all over, workout in and done but slow going. 6km in 1hr 6min 2sec… very much dehydrated.

Chinese character writing and live streaming. Content is king.

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

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Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Independence Day Greetings

00:37 Workout Routine Breakdown

04:31 Challenges and Adjustments in Workouts

06:06 Hair Donation and Personal Reflections

07:26 Hydration and Post-Workout Thoughts

14:22 Daily Routine and Podcast Reflections

22:59 New English Video Project

30:46 Chinese Studies and Live Streaming

32:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Feeling it today! Glutes are a sore!

Getting up and getting busy - productive days all day. How long will this last?

New SLV podcast out! Episode 46 all about our trip to Australia… and quick downloads!

Learned a new term today: Forward deployed engineer. Basically a software engineer who does sales. That is, they meet with clients and then develop the products or services that the client needs. No middle man. How does this apply to ESL??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL5QnLrOjqk

Foreigner a leaving! Remember that Ukrainian girl I bumped into during the pandemic? She’s leaving Beijing with her husband and kid after ten years in the country. Kinda sad.

And, a new English podcast?

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***

Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

And on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4

Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

00:46 Workout Reflections and Fitness Goals

03:57 Content Creation and Video Production

07:54 Exploring AI and Future Plans

15:46 Podcasting and Audience Engagement

26:52 Farewell and Final Thoughts

I’m feeling it! TWO workouts in today, one at the Body Lab (kinda like the Sanlitun Rich Women’s club), another on my own.

Out for dinner, then came back and was like: let’s see if I can get my run in.

Second workout in at night, slow but done. 4km in 39.37, then 20 minutes of slam ball work at night.

Tuna sandwich with… mustard, mayonnaise, wasabi aaaaand VEGEMITE! A bit too salty.

Good thing is… 

The TimTams are the perfect melty!

SLV podcast has been recorded, will have that up tomorrow.

Livestreaming to create content and study my languages, only way I can get them all done!

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***

Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

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Hope you have a great Wednesday!

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup01:55 Workout Experience at The Body Lab04:46 Detailed Breakdown of Pilates Machine06:47 Challenges and Reflections on Group Classes25:54 Post-Workout Thoughts and Dinner30:11 Final Thoughts and Sign-Off

Happy Canada Day! July 1, 1867 and now 158 years old!

Chinese taxes done and done, how will this change if I have my own company?

Back to live streaming… on ALL platforms.

Will AI be able to do movie creation? Yes, but you still need a good story. It will just make it easier and cheaper for more people to do it. 

Idea for my own animation… but going old school.

AI movie article:

https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/ai-film-google-veo-runway-3918ae28?mod=article_inline

Beijing is hot and humid, so sweaty sweat sweat time!

New publish time? Will this mean I’m able to generate more Substack articles?

Low and slow run done: 5k in 40 minutes. Breaking in the new shoes. 

Donate to the show! PayPal link below!

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***

Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Canada Day Greetings00:54 Podcast Recording Challenges02:33 Content Creation and Publishing Strategy03:05 Technical Issues and Apologies06:49 Travel Experiences and Reflections18:38 Taxation and Business Considerations23:32 AI in Content Creation30:18 Weather and Running Updates32:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Back in Beijing and Chinese taxes done.

How was Sydney? How was Melbourne?

Wake Up Hostel Sydney.

Power banks.

Steven, did you say it was the Lord Arch? Or Loch Ard Gorge? FFS! Whole episode!

How was the flight? My screen didn’t work. Wifi was slow. Free ten minutes.

Movies watched:

Moscow Mission

Christmas on Cobbler Street

Her Story

Money Honey Phoney

Nanjing overnight. Flight was uneventful. 

https://wgrrjkxt.maxvisioncloud.com/h5/#/

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Hope you have a great start of week!!

00:00 Introduction and Return to Beijing00:39 Travel Experiences in Australia02:26 Challenges and Reflections on the Trip04:16 Journey Back to Beijing10:31 Comparing Sydney and Melbourne13:58 Working Conditions and Lifestyle in Australia20:00 Reflections on Vlogging and Future Plans22:52 Correcting a Mistake from the Previous Episode24:50 Flight Experience and In-Flight Entertainment26:52 Power Banks Banned on Chinese Flights34:01 Hostel Experience in Sydney38:56 Failed Bar Hopping Adventure42:16 Conclusion and Farewell

Tour of Melbourne! Probably should’ve done that first! will be the tour guide’s LAST one for a while as he’s off to Chengdu to study Chinese!

-Library

-Gaol (death of Ned Kelly)

-888 movement - 8 hours work, 8 rest, 8 relax

-RMIT brain goo

-Old houses

-Australian influencer pays 30 million for a condo atop a building, brings up his McLaren (forget his name)

-Carlton Gardens (right by Melbourne Museum)

-Parliament and theatre

-Chinatown

-graffiti lane(s)

-The Block

-back lanes

-Under the clocks at Flinders Street

-Riding the free tram service within the city limits

Another tour scheduled for 3pm but the guy didn’t show up.

Stopped for Chinese food… not very good but was able to pay by WeChat.

Did another little walkaround. Koko Chocolate vs Haigh’s = take Haigh’s.

Found AC/DC lane, but I don’t know the significance of it. Guess there were a few live bars around there, too.

Back to the hostel, tarot reading… but the girl was playing beer pong by the time I got there. Oh well.

Booked in for the Great Ocean road tomorrow, but with a group of 50 so it’s cheaper. Taobao offers different prices based on how many people are going. We’ll see how good it is.

Now SLV podcast recorded just yet, when would I have to edit it? Will try to get at least one done this weekend.

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***

Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.com

Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a great one!!

00:00 Introduction and Apology

00:13 Tour of Melbourne Overview

00:36 Audio Issues Explained

02:23 Laundry Mishap

03:08 Melbourne Tour Details

05:32 Melbourne's CBD and Free Tram Service

07:26 Historical Sites and Monuments

11:10 University Influence on Melbourne

19:45 Graffiti Lanes and ACDC Lane

32:19 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Aaaand we’re all but done!

Chinese road trip accomplished!

-Big tour group, big bus of people, 45-minute stays in each location

How was it understanding everything?

ViiTor Translation - use this for live translation

30 people * $20  =  $600

$60 x 12 hours  = $720·hour$720 for the driver

Driver was from Shandong, been in Australia for 20 years, makes $60 an hour driving a bus (and we had to tip?).

-asked him why Australia doesn’t have a high speed train system yet - says that corruption stops it = subcontracting to subcontractors

-2 hour reverse trip - that is, we went to the end and then worked our way back

-12 Apostles rock formations (actually was only ever nine but one fell down on July 3, 2005, so now there’s only eight.)

-Lord Arc Gorge - site of a shipwreck in the late 1850s

-saw koalas in the trees, but we didn’t stop to take any pictures

-Apollo Bay town - best scallop pies = I would agree (hard to find anywhere else)

-kangaroos

-Great Ocean Road Arch - the road was meant as a make-work project for veterans returning from World War 1.

-And the Split Point Lighthouse - helped people not hit the rocks like the Lord Arc did

Dropped off again at the same point.

Rozzis pizza for dinner (takeaway pizza) = $5 a slice.

Girls were dressed up to go out. Didn’t look like many of the guys were.

City was a bustling.

Back to the hotel to netflix and chill! 

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Hope you have a great weekend!

00:00 Introduction and Melbourne Wrap-Up00:32 Travel Plans and Itinerary01:36 Wildlife Encounters and Missed Opportunities03:46 Tour Costs and Logistics06:47 Chinese Road Trip Experience06:57 Language Barriers and Translation Tools13:52 Driver's Insights and Economic Observations18:39 High-Speed Rail and Corruption20:46 Understanding Business Criticism21:19 Observations on Australian and Chinese Societal Differences22:26 The Great Ocean Road Trip Begins23:02 Exploring the 12 Apostles and Surroundings25:27 Lord Ark Gorge and Historical Insights27:45 Apollo Bay Town and Local Delicacies31:12 Concluding the Great Ocean Road Tour35:49 Back to Melbourne and Final Thoughts

To the museum we go! Lego exhibit but we never made it. Another section of the museum (different building) was being used for exams.

Workout in! At least a token effort. Laundry done.

What have we seen so far? Library, Parliament, Flinders Street Station.

Gold nugget stolen from library: https://blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/our-stories/ask-a-librarian/the-unsolved-mystery-of-the-pride-of-australia/

Read the comments here:

https://blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/our-stories/ask-a-librarian/the-unsolved-mystery-of-the-pride-of-australia/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=23-11-23_SLV-News_Spring-23&utm_content=23-11-23_SLV-News_Spring-23+CID_e73b62469cf1aa0195c2e68f1c24ec1b&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=Learn%20more

Melbourne is very chill, laid back AND cold!

The Lincoln for dinner, again good fish n chips AND chicken parmigiana! And.. trying TimTams!

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Hope you have a great one!! 

00:00 Introduction and Travel Plans01:47 Exploring Melbourne: Museums and More04:09 Food and Market Adventures07:16 Comparing Cultures: Melbourne vs. Beijing08:56 Melbourne's CBD and Landmarks11:09 Museum Highlights: Dinosaurs and Aborigines25:12 Library Visit: Ned Kelly and Gold Nuggets35:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Oi 麻烦啦that wine was no good. Rough.

Not getting out of the hostel until midday, but why rush it? 

Cold and windy today.

Victoria Market for the afternoon, walked over to the Parliament building (tours were closed), The Windsor, then back for a nap before out with a former colleague at Le Mitre

Why did he leave China?

Have done some shopping, spend more than $300 in one store, get $100 back at the airport.

Votes seem to be in favour of 12 apostles and Great Ocean Road, not Uluru.

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Hope you have a great Tuesday!

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:43 Recording Challenges in a Hostel02:21 Exploring Melbourne's Hostels and Amenities11:25 Debating Travel Plans in Australia21:26 Meeting an Old Colleague27:44 A Day at Victoria Market33:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Off and into Melbourne! It’s colder here!

Saw the fam, they’re doing well. 

Hostels are a popping, some even have families staying.

Hit the gym this morning, no morning run. Cold and… oi, we just got in! Maybe tomorrow? What’s my laundry schedule like?

Did some pull ups with a modified pull up bar. The gents in their 20s couldn’t lol!

Tried a kangaroo burger, Walker’s donuts. 

Forgot to send out the SLV newsletter this weekend! Life of a working traveller! What if this was my life?!

What’s Melbourne like and how are things in Australia so far?

Hey, could always come back to work on the mines, they’re looking for workers!

Book recommendation: Paul Carter “Don’t Tell Mum I Work on the Rigs, She Thinks I’m a Piano Player in a Whorehouse”.

Oh yea, that girl I interviewed on Friday? She’s a Kpop dancer too!

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Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.com

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Language vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlog

Hope you have a good start of week!

00:00 Introduction and Arrival in Melbourne00:26 Exploring Melbourne and Hostel Life05:52 Comparing Sydney and Melbourne08:34 Food Adventures in Melbourne12:44 Thoughts on Working in Australia16:14 Considering a Future in Mining22:21 Balancing Family and Career Choices22:44 Experiences Working Abroad24:56 Reflections on Drinking and Youth25:36 Considering a Return to Australia27:15 The Reality of Teaching English Abroad27:30 Contemplating a Career in Mining30:57 Funny Stories from the Oil Rigs33:28 A Day in the Life: Gym and Food Adventures38:57 Unexpected Talents: K-pop Dancer40:45 Conclusion and Future Plans