Tell Craig Your Story

Hayley Zhao - China - English Editor & Writer at The World of Chinese.

Episode 178 🎙️
Today on Tell Craig Your Story, I’m excited to welcome Hayley Zhao — editor, writer, and multimedia journalist with The World of Chinese.

Hayley has a passion for bridging cultures through storytelling, whether it’s in print, podcasts, or multimedia projects. A graduate of Columbia Journalism School, her focus includes education, environmental reporting, and investigative journalism.

We first met at the MKW Pro Wrestling Battle of the Decade show in Beijing — an unforgettable night of action, energy, and incredible people. Since then, I’ve followed her work closely, and I’m thrilled to finally have her here to share her journey, experiences in journalism, and insights into life and culture in China.

📸 Instagram: @HayleyYiming

👉 Listen here:
🎧 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com
🌐 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory
▶️ YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory

#HayleyZhao #TellCraigYourStory #PodcastInterview #TheWorldOfChinese #CulturalStories #ChinaPodcast #JournalismJourney #StorytellingMatters #MKWProWrestling #BeijingLife #GlobalVoices #AdrianGomez

Luke Preece - England - Art Director / Illustrator / Graphic Designer

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.com
Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory
YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory

#LukePreece #Illustration #PodcastInterview #TellCraigYourStory #DCMarvel #MetalArt #HeavyMetalArt #DigitalArt #AlbumArt #PosterArt #ComicArt #FantasyArt #SciFiArt #MusicArt #Metallica #Slipknot #OzzyOsbourne #PearlJam #Mastodon #AvengedSevenfold #JudasPriest #ArtPodcast

Qin Qin - China - Author of her memoir Model Minority Gone Rogue

🎙️ Episode 176 – Tell Craig Your Story

This week, I’m joined by Qin Qin, author of the memoir Model Minority Gone Rogue. In this powerful and deeply personal story, Qin Qin reflects on navigating identity, cultural expectations, and the journey of breaking free from the “model minority” label.

Born in China, now residing in Canberra Australia, Qin Qin shares her experiences growing up under the shadow of the “Tiger Mother” stereotype — and how she challenged those expectations to discover her true self.

Her memoir is a bold exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to write your own narrative — and it’s now available at all good bookstores.

👉 Podbean: https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com
👉 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory
👉 YouTube: @tellcraigyourstory

#TellCraigYourStory #QinQin #ModelMinorityGoneRogue #Memoir #AuthorInterview #BreakingStereotypes #AsianVoices #IdentityMatters #InspiringStories #PodcastLife #HarvardUniversity #lawyer #China #Australia

Hope White - Australia - Sydney Giants / NSW / Australian Netball athlete

🎙️ Episode 175 – Tell Craig Your Story
This 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 

Daria Vedenskaya - Russia - Fitness Coach / Personal Trainer

Episode [174] – Daria Vedenskaya (Fitness Coach, Zumba on the Bund)

Please welcome to the podcast, Daria Vedenskaya, joining us all the way from Vladivostok, Russia. Daria studied in Shanghai, China, where she works as an Import-Export Agent. But her true passion lies in the world of fitness and personal training.

She offers online classes as well as one-on-one personal coaching, tailoring each program to individual needs. In Shanghai, Daria is well-known for her popular Zumba on the Bund sessions and her Pulse Revolution workouts—guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

Daria has also taken the stage as a speaker at PechaKucha events in Shanghai, where she shared her story and inspired others. In this episode, we dive into her journey: growing up in Russia, the challenges she faced as a teenager, diet and nutrition, Russian food culture, and the moment someone suggested she head to Shanghai to follow a new path.

Join me on this inspiring conversation with Russian-born fitness coach, trainer, and entrepreneur, Daria Vedenskaya.

📲 Instagram: @daria_vedenskaya
📲 WeChat: dariavedenskaya

https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com

https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory

@tellcraigyourstory

#dariavedenskaya #personaltrainer #fitnesscoach #tellcraigyourstory #shanghaichina #pulserevolution #zumba #athlete #diet #training #podcast #PechaKucha #Pilates 

Gavin Malone - Ireland - Co Host of That Sound Podcast

🎙️ 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

Xiaojiemen (小解闷 ) - China's International Wrestling Influencer

Episode 172 – Xiaojiemen: China’s International Wrestling Influence

In this episode, Craig sits down with Xiaojiemen, one of China’s most influential figures in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his dynamic presence on Bilibili—with over 34,000 followers and 11 million+ total views—Xiaojiemen has become a trailblazer in promoting and celebrating wrestling culture in China.

We dive deep into his journey from participating in the WWE China Tryout in 2019, to becoming the official commentator for WWE on Huya (2021) and Bilibili (2023). He shares behind-the-scenes stories from interviewing WWE superstars like Ricochet, Shozi, and Xia Li, and talks about the booming growth of wrestling fandom across Asia.

Xiaojiemen also opens up about his creative work—ranging from entrance music covers, wrestling documentaries, live game commentary, to designing custom championship belts and collaborating with AEW x Street Fighter/Tekken on limited edition merchandise.

We also explore his contributions to MKW, KOPW, OWE, and NTW, and how he's helping bridge international wrestling with Chinese audiences through live commentary, graphic design, and fan-focused media.

Instagram @xiaojiemen  X/ BiliBili @小解闷 

https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com

https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory

@tellcraigyourstory

#WWE #ProWrestling #AEW #TellCraigYourStory #podcast #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingCommunity #ChineseWrestling #BiliBili #Xiaojiemen #WrestlingContentCreator #WWEChina #HulkHogan #OzzyOsbourne 

James Murray - USA - Teacher / Author / Ring Announcer

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

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@tellcraigyourstory