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PODCAST

Chasing Dramas

Karen and Cathy

Karen and Cathy explain cultural and historical references episode by episode in popular Chinese historical dramas as well as Chinese pop culture news. The podcast is in English with proper nouns and phrases spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Currently, they are discussing Season 1 of Joy of Life. Completed dramas/movies include: The Story of Yanxi Palace, The Longest Day in Chang"An, The Story of Ming Lan, Empresses in the Palace, Royal Nirvana, Palace (2013 film), and Mulan (2020 Disney movie) among

tv & film

All Episodes

00:20:47

In the Know - Police Confirmed Romance, New Baby, and...

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/31

We're moving away from fashion to talk about the top headlines of the past few weeks! 19 year old Rong Zi Shan made a name for himself and not in a good way as he was summoned by police about his physical altercation towards his girlfriend. Hong Kong Actor William Chan announced a surprise baby boy with supermodel He Sui. There's potential martial troubles with Dou Xiao and Laurinda Ho only two years after there multi-million dollar wedding in Bali. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we

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00:29:52

Joy of Life S2 Ep 16: New Challenges

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/28

In episode 16 of S2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian is interrupted by a gang of young aristocrats seeking revenge for the closure of Bao Yue Lou in the name of the 3rd Prince. He waves them off as petty challengers. The Emperor appoints Fan Xian as a new overseer for the upcoming imperial civil service exams, which poses new challenges for Fan Xian. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history and behind the scenes discussion on this episode!

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00:19:28

In the Know - Vogue China's Forces In Fashion 2025 Gala

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/24

Vogue China's Forces In Fashion Gala in Shanghai didn't necessarily wow on the fashion side but had plenty of conversation topics both pre and post event. Liu Yi Fei wowed on the red carpet while actress Zhong Chu Xi is currently being blasted online for her position in a group photo.

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00:31:08

Joy of Life S2 Ep 15: Shocking Punishment

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/20

Censor Lai brings numerous reprimands and reports of people at court, starting from Fan Xian then moving all the way up to the Emperor. However, actions of Censor Lai stepped over the Emperor's boundary and was given a shocking punishment for his actions.

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00:29:36

In the Know - Fantasy and Costume CDrama issue's...

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/17

Karen and I watch a lot of Chinese dramas, especially fantasy and costume dramas. Over the past few years, there's been overabundance of several tropes that we quite frankly have taken issues with. There's also many dramas that generally can't execute well. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the issues we have with some of the popular tropes in fantasy and costume dramas.

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00:20:20

In the Know - C-ent Actors/Actresses w/ Prior...

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/10

Several top Chinese actors/actresses had different careers before turning to acting. Many of them were dancers. Tune in to learn who were classically trained as some may surprise you.

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00:23:49

Joy of Life - S2 Ep 14: The Spymaster!

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/07

In episode 14 of Joy of Life S2, Fan Xian seems to have gained the upper hand against the 2nd Prince. Fan Xian captures one of the 2nd Prince's trusty warriors with the help of a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Fan Si Zhe has safely arrived at the Qi Kingdom and connects with another familiar face. This familiar face boasts that he is now the spymaster of the Qing network in the Qi Kingdom. Is that really the case? Fan Xian makes some moves after a meeting with Censor Lai but does it all go according

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00:27:04

Oct 2025 - Chinese Drama Update: Love's Ambition,...

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/10/03

Zhao Lu Si and Chen Wei Ting's modern day romance Love Ambition is a massive surprise hit right now. Meanwhile, Cheng Yi's The Journey of Legend underperformed as both the production and Cheng Yi were panned for poor quality. Bai Jing Ting came forward with a sci fi thriller, Mobius in September and Li Qin and Chen Zhe Yuan star in newly airing Fated Hearts.

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00:24:10

Joy of Life - S2 Ep 13: Visiting the Chen Manor

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/09/30

Fan Xian reconciles with Wan'Er and the two head over to Chen Ping Ping's residence. The extravagance shocks them as they see a difference side of Chen Ping Ping. Meanwhile, the 2nd Prince has a few more tricks up his sleeve as he desperately tries to win against Fan Xian. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!

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00:26:27

Joy of Life - S2 Ep 12: Three Couples

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/09/23

In episode 12 of Joy of Life Season 2, Fan Xian finally decides to visit his betrothed Lin Wan'Er. The 2nd Prince has his own motives for meeting Lin Wan'Er and encounters his own betrothed, Ye Ling Er. The four sit down for a meal but are interrupted by another engaged couple, the 1st Prince and the Northern Qi Princess. Tensions are high as Fan Xian confronts the 2nd Prince. Fan Xian must also navigate his relationship with Lin Wan'Er as rumors are rampant between him and Hai Tang Duo

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00:23:34

In the Know - A Shocking Death and other negative...

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/09/19

The surprise accidental death of 37 y/o Chinese actor Yu Meng Long shocked everyone for how sudden it was. Sadly, it looks to be drinking related. Other negative news includes Xu Kai now being accused of leading a gambling ring while filming and 2 dramas that were scheduled to film, including one headlining Yu Shu Xin, are now paused indefinitely.

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00:28:24

Joy of Life - S2 Ep 11: The Retaliation

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/09/16

Fan Xian had his first win at the Imperial Court with the help from Chancellor Lin. The 2nd Prince is seething at the new investigations to those loyal to him and vows to bring Fan Xian down. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince is caught in the crossfire and must navigate through his own precarious situation. Listen now to our latest podcast episode on episode 11 of Season 2 of Joy of Life!

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00:26:28

In the Know - Vogue China's 20th Anniversary + Xin...

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/09/12

Vogue China's 20th Anniversary September Cover featured 11 Chinese actresses with Liu Yi Fei sponsored by Bulgari taking center stage. However, there was plenty of discussion around who was or was not included.One of the actresses on this cover was Xin Zhi Lei who recently won best actress at the Venice Film Festival. This became a point of national pride and catapulted her to the top of the A list.

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00:28:44

Joy of Life - S2 Ep 10: First Day at Court

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/09/09

In episode 10 of Season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian has his first day at the Imperial Court after receiving summons from the Emperor to respond to the allegations of corruption from the Censorate. Fan Xian has a plan but is surprised to see the cast of characters at court.Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more about palace etiquette!

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00:21:59

Sep 2025 Chinese Drama Update - This Thriving Land,...

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/09/05

The biggest Chinese drama to air in August was This Thriving Land with Yang Mi as a lead but shined as an ensemble cast. Meanwhile, the fantasy/costume dramas featuring the likes of Xu Kai, Tian Xi Wei, Chen Fei Yu, Cheng Lei, Song Yi, Wang Ying Lu all didn't make too much of a splash. Listen in for more details!

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00:27:11

In the Know - Xu Kai's Messy Love Life

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/08/29

On August 22nd, Weibo exploded when one of actor Xu Kai's (of the Story of Yanxi Palace fame) ex-girlfriends, Xu Li Sha, publicly posted how Xu Kai cheated on her. Xu Kai became a trending topic with billions of views about what happened. His manager, Yu Zheng also joined in on the fray by livestreaming a rebuttal. It became a whole saga which we explain in this episode.

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00:28:00

Joy of Life - S2 Ep 9: Gaining Support

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/08/26

In episode 9 of S2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian's acceptance of 3000 taels of silver is reported to the Emperor from the Censorate. Fan Xian must make his case in front of the Imperial Court. However, Fan Xian does not seem too particularly worried. Instead, he turns his attention to the chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, and tries to understand what happened to this once righteous man. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!

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00:20:21

In the Know - 2025 W Annual Gala

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/08/22

Dilireba dominated social media after her unique red carpet look at the W Annual Gala on Aug 19. We discuss some of our other looks as well as the themes for the evening.

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00:33:18

Joy of Life - S2 Ep 8: New Boss in Town

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/08/19

Fan Xian is now the head of the 1st Bureau and heads off to his first day of work. He instead finds the men happily playing Mahjong while accepting "gifts" from others. The chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, is full of flattery towards Fan Xian but Fan Xian isn't fooled. Fan Xian decides to investigate the Crop Investigation Bureau for all of the "gifts" it sends. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!

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00:27:03

In the Know - Zhao Lu Si's Saga continues

Chasing Dramas ·

2025/08/15

On Aug 2, Chinese Drama actress Zhao Lu Si publicly blasted her management company on Weibo for mistreatment following her illness at the beginning of the year. She has since been on continuous live streams with both positive and negative commentary. Listen in to hear more!

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