Reaching an Ideal Life Through Food | Food Talk Vol. 44
In this episode, *Food Talk* host Tianle joins Sijia from *100 Lives* for a special crossover conversation. This is also the first time Tianle shares on a podcast her journey from a journalist with a degree in international journalism to a social impact advocate working with agriculture and food, alongside the ideal work and life she strives to embody.
Naturally, food remains at the heart of this conversation. From “carrot sashimi” to “a fellow farmer’s secret sour soup recipe”, what exactly is the relationship between “a good life” and “good ingredients”? What is the true value of ecological and organic farming? How does one cultivate a daily rhythm that avoids delivery services and instead involves cooking for yourself, even on workdays? And how can modern city dwellers stay engaged with food and environmental issues amidst the hustle and bustle, supporting a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle through mindful consumption?
Food is our tether to the natural world and the starting point for transforming both ourselves and our future. We hope this episode offers fresh perspectives and inspiration for taking action. When setting your intentions for the new year, remember to include “eating well” – a seemingly small yet vital commitment.
We also look forward to continuing this journey with all our listeners and readers in 2025: using food as our compass to better understand one another and the world around us.
Episode Hosts
Sijia
Host of the *100 Lives* podcast. A Sichuan native based in Dublin, she’s a data professional who has been working tirelessly in the field for over a decade. She dreams of one day “making it through her voice” and dedicating herself full-time to her podcasting pursuit.
Chang Tianle
Founding Editor at Foodthink, Organiser of the Beijing Organic Farmers’ Market
Timeline
02:30 Career Transition: Tianle shares the journey of moving from journalism to the NGO sector.
08:00 Reflections on International NGOs: Experiences and insights working in international development abroad, and career choices after returning home.
09:30 NGOs vs NPOs: A deep dive into the similarities and differences between non-governmental and non-profit organisations, and Foodthink’s operational model.
15:10 Team Atmosphere & Food Culture: How the Foodthink team fosters a sense of community and responsibility by taking turns cooking.
25:00 Ecological Smallholders & Organic Farming: Explaining the differences between ecological and conventional agriculture, and how to support small-scale ecological farmers.
31:00 Choosing Ingredients & Lifestyle: Discussing daily eating habits and emphasising the importance of supporting local farmers.
40:30 Debunking the ‘Special Supply’ Myth: Examining the reality behind ‘special supply’ ingredients, and sharing challenges and reflections from both inside and outside the industry.
47:00 Reducing Food Waste: Tips on cutting down waste through planning and adaptable cooking skills.
55:00 Reflections & Choices on Lifestyle: How to enhance quality of life through healthy eating and eco-friendly actions, while balancing work and responsibilities.
59:30 Closing: Encouraging listeners to focus on their own interests and sense of value, to find their ideal career and lifestyle.
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Podcast Production Team
Podcast Music: Banong
Planning & Production: 100 Ways of Life
Editor: Xiaojing
Contact Email: xiaojing@foodthink.cn