We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shuhui Yao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shuhui, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
“Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall” for us is not just a podcast; it’s a labor of love and a meaningful project that reaches deep into the heart of Chinese mythology to share its wonders with the world. This podcast stands out as a bridge between cultures, languages, and histories, making it a uniquely rewarding endeavor for everyone involved.
At its core, the project is driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to cultural preservation and education. By bringing these ancient tales to a global audience in both Chinese and English, we’re not just entertaining listeners; we’re inviting them into a rich cultural heritage that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Each episode is a testament to the power of narrative to transcend boundaries and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
For me, sharing these stories is also about sharing a part of myself and my culture, making it an intensely personal project. The feedback from listeners who find joy, curiosity, and enlightenment in our episodes validates our efforts and underscores the importance of what we’re doing.
“Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall” embodies the belief that mythology can illuminate the human condition and connect us across time and space. It’s a project that not only contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage but also enriches the lives of those who engage with it, making it a profoundly meaningful endeavor for both creators and listeners alike.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My path into the world of podcasting was serendipitous, born from a passion for storytelling and a desire to make learning Chinese more engaging. As a co-producer, translator, and the Chinese narrator of the podcast, my role is to bridge ancient tales with modern audiences, ensuring authenticity and accessibility in every story we share.
The genesis of our podcast was as simple as it was unexpected. While teaching Chinese to Josué, the other co-producer, I realized that conventional textbooks couldn’t capture the richness of Chinese culture. Recounting the mythological stories I grew up loving—thanks to my father’s influence as a history enthusiast—sparked an undeniable interest in Josué. He suggested recording these narratives, leading to the realization that if he found such value in them, others might too. This insight was the cornerstone of “Shrouded Stories.”
The format of our podcast is designed to cater to both English and Chinese-speaking audiences. Each episode begins with a mythological story presented in both languages, followed by a discussion among friends about the tale’s cultural implications and historical context. This format not only makes ancient Chinese mythology accessible but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation among our listeners.
To potential listeners, and fans, we welcome you to join us on this vibrant journey, to be part of a community that celebrates the diversity and depth of Chinese culture in a fun way.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At the heart of “Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall,” our mission is multifaceted but centers around a core principle: the transformative power of storytelling. Our journey is driven by the desire not only to learn but to facilitate learning in others through the rich, often untold stories of Chinese mythology. We believe that good stories have the power to educate, inspire, and connect us across cultural and linguistic divides.
One of our primary goals is to establish points of empathy that enable our listeners to connect with cultures different from their own. In today’s globalized world, understanding and appreciating the diversity of human culture is more important than ever. By sharing these ancient tales, we provide a window into the Chinese cultural psyche, offering insights into values, philosophies, and the human experience as seen through the lens of Chinese civilization.
Moreover, we aim to share something deeply valued yet not widely discussed outside of academic circles or cultural niches. Chinese mythology is a treasure trove of wisdom, entertainment, and cultural insight, but its accessibility has been limited. Through our podcast, we’re bringing these stories into the limelight, ensuring they receive the attention and appreciation they deserve.
On a personal level, this project holds significant meaning for me. In my relationship, where my husband does not speak Chinese, there exists a part of my identity and cultural heritage that remains unshared, a sentiment that mirrors a broader disconnect between cultures. This podcast is my way of bridging that gap, not just within my relationship but for anyone who feels disconnected from a part of themselves or from a culture they wish to understand better. It’s about putting this side of me—this rich cultural heritage—into a format that others can learn from and connect with, offering a piece of myself to foster greater understanding and connection.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The essence of what makes our work on “Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall” rewarding is both tangible and straightforward: it’s about the validation that comes from our audience’s reception and the sense of accomplishment in leading a project from inception to realization.
In the realm of audio production, we, as audio professionals, are often just one cog in a much larger machine, contributing our part to projects that span beyond our individual roles. However, with “Shrouded Stories,” the dynamic shifts dramatically—we are not just contributors; we are the creators, curators, and driving force behind the entire project. This shift brings with it a unique set of challenges and, more importantly, a distinct sense of reward.
Admittedly, it’s not always easy to recognize the impact of our work when we’re deeply entrenched in the minutiae of production, grappling with the myriad tasks that go into each episode. The creative process can be isolating, filled with moments of doubt and second-guessing. Yet, it’s precisely these challenges that make the moments of recognition and appreciation from our listeners all the more rewarding.
Hearing from people who’ve taken the time to listen to our stories, who share how our episodes have prompted them to think differently or have introduced them to a new aspect of Chinese culture, is incredibly validating. Each positive comment, each piece of feedback that suggests we’ve made someone pause and reflect, reinforces the value of our work. It’s a direct line from our creative efforts to the impact on an individual—a clear indicator that what we’re doing matters.
This validation from our audience is the tangible reward we often seek as creatives. It’s a reminder that beyond the challenges, the late nights, and the endless editing, our work resonates. Being the entire project rather than just a part of it comes with its pressures, but it also offers a unique reward: the satisfaction of seeing our vision come to life and knowing it has the power to engage, educate, and entertain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shroudedstories.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shrouded_stories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094506124384
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shuhui-lilly-yao-5806b9a3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShroudedStoriesPodcast
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YMGCEBAbgrl5pgMM4Mcc0?si=d1ff7a5d397a404f&nd=1&dlsi=0e0d6c2a02e248e2 ApplePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrouded-stories-beyond-the-great-wall/id1726472280 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shrouded.stories?_t=8jnwCm4Lpqo&_r=1