Podcast
The Audio Blog of Steven Sirski
Hosted by Steven Sirski · EN
The daily musings of an expat in Beijing.
83episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
SSAB - June 29, 2026
1w ago00:51:30Tap to summarizeEnd of the month and preparing to go yet again! Don’t be late, though this time the gf paid!Sorting stuff and throwing out! When we get back it might be time to get seriousRead a book on how to make it on YouTube, I think I’m doing it wrong. WHERE’S YOUR STORY??And went to see an acrobatics performance… WOW! What would you do if one of them showed up late to class, or missed it entirely??Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great start of week!!00:00 Packing and deadlines00:38 China visa countdown01:51 Singapore flight mixup04:06 Decluttering travel wardrobe08:33 Sentimental shirts11:33 Selling stuff and lease risk14:04 Life speeds up in your 40s18:32 Universal Studios plans21:16 YouTube grind and blueprint25:07 Aristotle and Storycraft26:39 Vlog Inspirations and Formats29:25 Story Versus Plot Basics30:01 YouTube Blueprint Takeaways34:21 Passion Versus Teaching37:51 Document or Present Language Learning40:50 Singapore Plans and Video Ideas41:58 Chinese Acrobat Show Highlights49:31 Packing Up and Sign Off
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SSAB - June 26, 2026
2w ago00:44:20Tap to summarizeMarkets slammed! Why? Who knows! Chinese stonks a dropping even HARDER!Building up the website bit by bit, why not just use Wordpress? Let’s try to vibe code it.Workout in! Deadlifts.. OWIE! 120kg for 3 reps. Should’ve warmed up first. Still managed to get the weighted run done in: 6.51 km in 1hr 2 min 17 sec. 70 pull up, 140 push ups, 210 squats… what about the others? Did 30-40 weighted pull ups in the gym this morning.Using DeepSeek on my evening walks! New little routine is record this podcast then head on out for a walk, a listen and a read using all China-based APPs.Throwing stuff out and in need of new gym clothes!And a new TV!Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great weekend!00:00 No Warmup Regrets00:33 Deadlift Back Scare04:34 Murph Run Breakdown08:14 New TV Upgrade11:10 Waking Up at 3AM14:18 Markets Get Slammed16:34 Chart Patterns and Moving Averages19:56 Tracking Stocks and Disclaimers21:44 Gold Options Check-In23:56 China Stocks Oversold Play27:35 Market Snapshot Chaos28:13 Building a Simple Website34:29 Teaching vs Consulting Pivot37:55 DeepSeek Language Walk Routine42:10 Decluttering Before Singapore43:00 Links Thanks and Sign-Off
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SSAB - June 25, 2026
2w ago00:46:23Tap to summarizeTo the embassy I go to get not ONE, but TWO copies certified of my degree. What’s the latest? It IS an authentication that can be used IN CHINA! What does HR lady do? Goes to CSCE to check and lo and behold, YES it can be used! Does she even know what she’s doing? “I’ve never had someone apply from within Beijing before.” Maybe you should have said something.GOLD hitting 873 SELL 887 BUY per gram RMB. What about that China article?https://sinocism.notion.site/Implementation-Opinions-of-the-Ministry-of-Commerce-and-8-Other-Departments-on-Accelerating-the-Deve-38384ece41d781d5b4fde17458782cf9?pvs=27&qid=1%3Ad6203849-c2e4-498b-a64b-0e7e40c90763%3A0-basically says everything should be AI, wired up and “intelligent”-elderly care-smart technologies of all sorts (school cafeterias, home appliances, tourist destinations)Collagen gone, how’s the supplement stack now? Still taking ashwaghanda, fish oil, MCT coconut oil, Maca, Ubiquinol, Milk Thistle, Magnesium and Zinc. How’re you feeling?Waking up at 3 am for some reason. And Steve, didn’t you say you had to leave the country. Where are you going next?! SINGAPORE!Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great one!! 00:00 Embassy Paperwork Quest00:34 Job Offer and Visa Clock02:05 Apostille Confusion and HR Drama06:26 Embassy Visit and Certified Copies10:38 The $700 Police Check Mistake17:18 Deadlines and Decision Fatigue20:17 Gold Prices and Buying in China22:55 China Stocks and AI Push30:05 Supplement Stack Breakdown38:51 3 AM Wakeups and Anxiety41:08 Singapore Visa Run Plans45:10 Wrap Up and Links
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SSAB - June 24, 2026
2w ago00:45:37Tap to summarizeApostille update, re yesterday’s confusion. 1) Still have to send it to Ottawa, but then it has to go to the Chinese embassy to be authenticated. I’m ready to give up. Don’t care any more. I don’t think they even know what’s going on. Tomorrow I’ll go to the Canadian embassy anyway to get some documents in order.Stonk market a dropping! China stonks getting SLAMMED! Do they PROCEED a US sell off? That would a North American sell off into November. But look at those banks… wow. Let this be a lesson!China article: https://sinocism.notion.site/Implementation-Opinions-of-the-Ministry-of-Commerce-and-8-Other-Departments-on-Accelerating-the-Deve-38384ece41d781d5b4fde17458782cf9?pvs=27&qid=1%3Ad6203849-c2e4-498b-a64b-0e7e40c90763%3A0Alan Greenspan passes away at age 100.Getting points deducted from TikTok! Can’t live stream while displaying other documents?? Still using these as rehearsals for other publications.Thinking… if one minute shorts pull 1000 views and 10 cents, what about 6-8 minute daily vlogs? What if… what if they were daily musings on the life of an expat in China?Workout in! Upper body rows and shoulder presses, some legs for good measure. 7km run in 44.06. Should you do cardio before or after weights? And this thing has a recovery time. Ok?Building websites… bro, do you even know how to HTML?And yes, I forgot to put the audio file at the end of yesterday’s episode. Here’s another test.Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great one!! 00:00 Mic Check Cold Open00:32 Podcast Setup And Rebrand Thoughts04:31 Substack Interviews And Audio Cleanup05:36 Xiaomi Watch Recording Test10:38 Workout Stats And Running Challenges13:10 Degree Apostille Visa Headache23:37 Markets Slide And Greenspan Obit29:42 China Stocks Signals And Bank Trades36:52 TikTok Points And Daily Vlog Plan43:47 Wrap Up And Mic Comparison Outro
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SSAB - June 23, 2026
2w ago00:41:55Tap to summarizeSteve, if people wanted to pay you for your services, where would they go? Good question. Website building 101, here we go. Can’t I just AI this?Workout in, how’s the watch holding up? Good, but the APP is slow. It does have a food tracker, particularly good for Chinese foods, but doesn’t seem to have a function to add custom entries. Apparently has a 21-day battery. The apostille process continues, what’s the latest? Understand this one: “Also, I have to let you know, last time I called, the Chinese institution told me that the authentication done outside of China by the Canadian govt is not acceptable. Only the Canadian embassy that is actually inside China is recognized. However, the Canadian embassy in China told me they have no such service.”-I’m sure there’s a misunderstanding here somewhere.Visa coming due, I guess I gotta get going… again. Where to next?And I got paid, finally! YouTube for the win!Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great one!! 00:00 Quick Cold Open00:32 Who I Am Here02:08 Visa Limbo Life02:59 Channel Identity Crisis07:26 Document Or Present10:48 Where To Pay Me12:13 Building The Website18:21 AI Coding Reality21:56 Job Visa Headaches33:35 Gym Watch Paycheck40:50 Wrap Up Links
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SSAB - June 22, 2026
2w ago00:46:15Tap to summarizeAuthentication continues, can’t I just get this done here? Paying $300 for a certified photocopy?!Why DID my TikTok video get so many views? Apparently there was some sort of trending song with “Taiwan museum”… no idea. Most of the views were only a second or two long.Re-assessing how often I’ll post, and thinking it might be time to scale back.We got the watch! Discount and all! But we had to do an unboxing right away because they needed PROOF! How is it so far?Workout in! Chest day followed by 7km run in 48.21!And we’re getting a new TV!Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great start of week!00:00 Notes and Setup00:27 Fathers Day Intro01:17 Degree Authentication Drama03:23 Sketchy Apostille Service07:20 Embassy Plan and Deadlines10:48 Posting Frequency Doubts14:13 YouTube and TikTok Analytics22:03 Document vs Present Strategy28:55 Rebrand and Product Ideas33:00 Travel Plans vs Beijing Rent38:30 New Watch and Workout42:36 New TV and Landlord Worries44:38 Wrap Up and Links
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SSAB - June 19, 2026
3w ago00:45:29Tap to summarizeSome rain! Finally things will cool down.Up and out to the gym I go! The cleaning lady… didn’t really clean. Barbell rows, shoulder press and then 100 pull ups (no push ups or squats). 7km run done in two parts.Update on the Beijing ID card sale: you have to choose whether to get it in store (more expensive) or buy it online. Once you choose, you can’t change it. And not applicable to foreigners.Steve, you mentioned you’d talk about your biggest mistakes in trading, what were they? AEM.to = sold too soon. PD.to = sold covered calls and they got exercised in January 2021… then went on a multiple year run.And have you ever considered starting a stock market newsletter? Yes. I have. I didn’t think I’d like it. And what about all the ideas I’ve had?Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great weekend!00:00 Rainy Day Kickoff00:36 Continuity Camera Setup03:26 Stormy Weather Check04:08 Dragon Boat Surprise05:06 Smog And Ventilation07:11 Low Battery Interruption08:10 Gym Cleaning Rant12:01 Workout Recap And Routine14:05 Beijing Subsidy Blocked17:02 Degree Verification Maze19:16 Apostille Process Explained21:05 When China Joined22:38 China Apostille Shift23:15 Online Notarization Costs24:29 One And Done Paperwork25:02 Stock Trading Pivot26:06 Big Miss Agnico Eagle27:31 Trading Journal Basics31:04 Taxes And Selling34:45 Covered Calls Gone Wrong38:07 Air Conditioning Success Metric38:41 Newsletter Idea And Audience42:45 Substack Plan And Credentials43:59 Wrap Up And Links
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SSAB - June 18, 2026
3w ago00:43:58Tap to summarizeOw, I’m sore! Guess the leg workout was good enough.Steve, sounds like you don’t like Warren Buffett, nor Mohnish Pabrai. But what if they offered you a job? Would you take it? What would YOUR value proposition be? (Or what if Codi Sanchez offered you a job, would you take it? What would your offer be? She has a podcast studio!) Key takeaways:-Keep your job (Buffett was employed in several capacities and didn’t become Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman until 1970… when he was 40.)-Put all your eggs in one basket… AND WATCH THAT BASKET!-Don’t get divorced. Work out another agreement.-And… go to school? (Wharton School of Business, Masters in Economics, and New York Institute of Finance)-This kinda runs counter to the whole “get a job in the trades” theme that pops up from time to time.Apostillation continues… why isn’t this on record?Chinese stonks look like they’re bottoming (in New York).And someone sent me $1000. Did I take it?Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great one!! 00:00 Cold Open and Context00:51 Recapping Codie and Pabrai02:29 Buffett Myth vs Reality04:35 What If They Hired Me07:09 Cody Podcast Job Dilemma10:52 Buffett Quotes Revisited13:09 Rule One Keep Your Job17:34 One Basket Strategy18:55 Don’t Get Divorced20:09 Go to School for Finance21:39 Picking Finance Certificates24:03 Online vs In Person Courses24:54 Taxes and Write Off Basics26:58 How Much Investing Knowledge28:34 Trades vs Market Investing32:12 Stock Tracker and PayPal Plug34:20 China Stocks and Leveraged ETFs39:02 Apostille Passport Paperwork40:45 Turning Down a Personal Loan42:29 Wrap Up and Links
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SSAB - June 17, 2026
3w ago00:49:38Tap to summarizeWorkout in! Leg day truncated by a tweak in the back. Did get a run inHey, Steve, did you buy SpaceX?! NO! Why not?! Stupid buying GOLD!Warren Buffett and the circle of competence… WTF does that even mean?!? I don’t know SpaceX so I shouldn’t buy? But who am I to disagree with a billionaire who got stock investing right? And I don’t mean Mr. Buffett, but Mr. Mohnish Pabrai on the Cody Sanchez Podcast.-Buffett’s Dad was a stock broker and then a US Congressman = money-The pinball machine = made up a name to sound important (the barber’s could’ve taken the money. What were they thinking?! Who do you criticize, Buffett for lying or the barbers for not be more savvy?)-The golf balls = Buffett didn’t want to do hard work. Welp, I think most would agree that the most recent generations don’t want to either!-So where does this leave Buffett’s stance on investing? What about Pabrai?-Why haven’t I been able to do the same in the Chinese market? Why did I miss the big opportunities in the Canadian market?Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XnDEXPfyBAfnyGyRJuJFQ?si=q0WtyyEKQGWGC6vrWCT_kwGotta get my degree apostilled?! MORE MONEY OUT THE WINDOW!And it’s shopping day! 618! Who cares? How much money do you have to spend?! Looking to get a new sports watch. Can I get a discount? Only if you have a Beijing ID card. Don’t I have one after TWELVE YEARS of living here?! Nope.Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great one!!00:00 Cold Open and Big Day01:12 Back Tweak at the Gym03:18 Run Stats and Gear Plans04:27 618 Sale and Beijing ID06:50 Trade In Discounts Explained08:36 Foreigner Excluded From Subsidies10:38 Choosing the Xiaomi Watch12:07 Degree Rejected and Apostille Shock17:41 Cost Breakdown and Contract Timing20:49 Liquidate Everything or Commit23:38 SpaceX IPO and Option Emotions24:49 Principle Over Money and New Podcast25:52 Buffett Fanboy Setup27:09 Jesse Livermore Cautionary Tale28:46 Why Youre Not Buffett32:54 Bond Deal Reality Check33:54 Circle of Competence Test38:05 Hype Media And IPOs39:57 Buffetts Pinball Hustle42:48 Golf Balls And Hard Work44:15 China Bureaucracy Doubts46:39 Chinese Market Competence Gap48:05 Wrap Up And Links
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SSAB - June 16, 2026
3w ago00:39:17Tap to summarizeBack to the regular set up, it’s just easier. Rough cuts done! Gotta work on those AI prompts!More people playing and downloading! What does that mean? There are more plays and downloads overall, but I don’t know those exact figures.-320 impressions-84 plays (can only be 30 seconds)-97.5% completion rate… meaning those who tune in finish listening. Trump signs a deal, OIL goes down and GOLD goes up… but I thought GOLD was a contrarian play in times of uncertainty?New York Knicks win!Carolina Hurricanes win!How’s the World Cup going? Don’t know!And no workout in, but Chinese class done… nice and early: 9 am!Donate to the show! PayPal link below!https://www.paypal.me/stevensirski?locale.x=en_CA***Show notes n tracks up on stevensirski.comAnd on Notion: https://stevensirski.notion.site/SSAB-The-Audio-Blog-of-Steven-Sirski-00acfe344e164bfab191d3cddf6952b2?pvs=4Newsletter over at stevensirski.substack.comLanguage vlog on http://www.youtube.com/@stevenslanguagevlogGoogle Stock Tracker Sheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kbpCC2cieuq23zYyr0-WznPRogVX0aS86BF4_vPvgMY/edit?usp=sharingHope you have a great one!! 00:00 Daily Setup And Headlines00:30 Life In China Update02:36 Mandarin Classes And Teachers08:25 Self Study And Dictation11:56 Tech Setup And Rough Cuts13:29 Faceless Channel And Content Pipeline23:30 Fixing AI Prompts And Rebrand24:49 Podcast Analytics And Hosting Plans30:59 Gold Oil And Options Talk36:21 Sports Roundup And Sign Off
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