I listened to the previous episode of this series and liked it a lot because it had to do with a  legitimate business run by a foreigner in China. In this episode, the discussion is based on a volunteer organization which gives more Shanghai locals a chance to practice English with American expats( and other foreigners) whom have too much time on their hands.

I didn't like this episode because it seemed more like a pitch for us listeners to join a volunteer organization then something educational that we can learn from . Besides that, there was only one Chinese word in the 14 minute podcast.

@manleymanson - it seems to me, at least on the strength of this interview, that Bean are doing a pretty good job. Simple things like encouraging proper dental care are things that can make a huge difference to people's welfare, happiness and quality of life. So I for one am pleased that there are people with enough time on their hands to do this kind of thing.

Feedback is always welcome. For me, the interviewees in this series all have one quality in common: making it happen in China. In the case of Amy and Bean, she didn't know what rules and regulations she'd be facing in setting up and running a volunteering organization in China. She just went ahead and did it. Maybe that's a blessing because now we have an organization in Shanghai which does great things for the community and helps its members to connect. But I certainly could have asked better questions to focus more on that.

I echo your thoughts. The culture and lifestyle in Shanghai is quite materialistic and blase, so it's great to hear about the work that members of Bean (and other organizations) are doing. The fact is many many people even Chinese don't connect with the community outside their own circle. So caring and actually doing something for others is indeed respectible.

I found the show informative and I dont think it came across too much like a pitch at all. I think Jenny is right when she says the common thread of this series should be "making it happen in China". We will all find some episodes more interesting than others, but that experience will vary from person to person. I dont think this show needs to be a Chinese lesson either, some appropriate Chinese is more than fine when it comes up, but cpod does enough to teach Chinese already.

It would also be good to have a few Chinesepod lessons on charity, volunteering, and community topics.

We want to hear you interview in Chinese - Reasons: (1) we here to learn chinese (2) we want to hear you speak in chinese (3) you are paid to speak in chinese (4) you do a better job in chinese

Just a suggestion but I do wish for your show to succeed.

But it would be nice when possible...