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The Context

NewsChina
China
Climate Change
Buddhism
Cultural Heritage
Shang Dynasty
United States
Ming Dynasty
Paris Agreement
Renewable Energy
Xu Beihong
World War II
Four-Ram Square Zun
Qing Dynasty
Archaeology
Lin Zexu
Sun Yat-Sen University
Silk Road
Tan Kah Kee
Traditional Chinese Medicine
National Museum Of China

NewsChina explores the perspectives driving today’s China and its people with a deep dive into the histories that shaped them.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes328Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Context

Latest Episodes

Today, we’ll talk about a new museum in the Philippines that brings to life the golden age of trans-Pacific sailing ships and the link to a Chinese port at the heart of this far-reaching maritime network, creating the first true global economy.

Today, we’ll talk about the pioneering educator Zhang Boling and how he built a private education system in modern China while navigating war, politics, and shifting ideologies, leaving behind a complex yet enduring legacy as a patriotic educator.

Today, we’ll talk about an extraordinary stateswoman from the Ming Dynasty whose wisdom and courage ended nearly 200 years of border warfare, and how this remarkable female leader reveals Chinese values about peace and harmony among various ethnic gr... more

Today, we’ll talk about a surprising discovery at Yinxu that suggests Shang dynasty kings may have raised tigers, elephants, and other wild animals in a kind of royal “zoo” more than 3,000 years ago.

Today, we’ll talk about the legendary Epang Palace Ruins and how modern archaeology has revealed that this iconic symbol of imperial excess was likely never completed or burned, thus reshaping our understanding of the rise and fall of the Qin dynasty... more

Today, we’ll talk about a Chinese stone tablet that informs readers about early US-China connections, revealing the mutual respect and admiration that bridged oceans long before the days of official diplomacy.

Today, we’ll talk about Mulan, a legendary heroine who has inspired the world for over 1,500 years by disguising herself as a man to take her elderly father’s place in the army, rising to become a celebrated general, and ultimately choosing family ov... more

Today, we’ll talk about a rare bronze ritual vessel from the Shang dynasty decorated with the striking image of a tiger devouring a human, and how this powerful motif reveals ancient Chinese beliefs about nature, sacrifice, shamanism, and the mysteri... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Liu Rui
a researcher with the Archaeology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences who leads the archaeological team
Archaeology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Episode: Beyond the Legend: The Untold Story of the Epang Palace Ruins
Sitar Dorja
Tibetan cultural performer and associate research fellow at Tibet University
Tibet University
Episode: King Gesar: Dreaming Legends
Tenzin Yeshe
Doctoral student in drama and traditional opera studies
Chinese National Academy of Arts
Episode: Tibetan Opera: The Masked Singers
Michael Dembro
Oregon State Senator
Oregon State Government
Episode: Climate Special 20: Steady States (II)
Chen Boping
C40 Regional Director for East Asia
C40
Episode: Climate Special 20: Steady States (II)
Wang Yanhui
Deputy Executive Director for the Operation and Organizational Development of IGDP
IGDP, a Beijing-based non-profit
Episode: Climate Special 20: Steady States (II)
Eugene D. Soroka
Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles
Port of Los Angeles
Episode: Climate Special 19: Steady States (I)
Chen Boeping
C40 Regional Director for East Asia China
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
Episode: Climate Special 19: Steady States (I)
Liu Daizong
East Asia Director at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
Episode: Climate Special 19: Steady States (I)

Host

Scott Pruitt
Anchor of NewsChina/The Context; host and narrator for historical explorations.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 307 ratings
  • Cooler relations

    A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most pivotal moments in recent climate diplomacy. Todd Stern’s reflections add both candor and urgency, reminding us that real progress often hinges on quiet cooperation—and that the US-China relationship remains central to any path forward.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    David Milton
    United States10 months ago
  • Poetry tales

    Thanks for bringing the ancient story of the famous poet. Love such kinds of lyrical poets' life history and tales. It's Short, sweet, and to the point while being an entertaining and informative lesson.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    David Milton
    United States2 years ago
  • Context forever!

    Just letting you know that you are making my sleepless nights a lot more wakeful (haha). Thank you for providing exciting histories one after another. Much love from TX

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jeffrey can0
    United States2 years ago
  • Just 5 stars!

    All content is great! Happy to hear this podcast. I have been studding modern Chinese architectural history lately. Have learned a lot about the first female architect in modern China.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    David Lopq
    United States2 years ago
  • LOVE The ‘WQ’ Epis..

    Excellent historical content! Why should we not learn Chinese history? Exemplary description and gorgeous voice about the interesting woman warrior!! 100% recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lucke BleckO
    United States2 years ago
  • Just what I needed to hear!

    Chinese history isn’t the easiest subject to follow and has always been an individual struggle for me to be invested in due to its complicated nature. This podcast had ABSOLUTELY fascinated me. Definitely an amazing podcast. Thank you for creating it and sharing it with the world for free. 10 on10!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Troy Lobbe6
    United States2 years ago
  • Fantastic show!

    ..and talent story! Me and my mom listen to those episodes together and we value it. I’m nineteen and I word for word eat, sleep, and breathe this show. Please keep it running, my man!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mic_whitehead
    United States2 years ago
  • Great pod for history lovers!

    The Context is probably my favorite podcast. Definitely top 10! Thank you for all the great updates!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Taylor.mic
    United States2 years ago
  • Wonderful lady!

    She was an Incredible lady. I’ve learned enough about the China’s first female general. This is the only episode that made my mind to listen to more than three times. Undoubtedly Listen-friendly content!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jansfs18
    United States2 years ago
  • Wonderful show!

    We need to know this right now. People have to know the actual information about our country! Please go with your goal. Must subscribe.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ahkw27
    United States2 years ago
  • The context!

    I really enjoyed the podcast! The best historical representation in the history of podcasting!! Amazing delivery! Thank you all with the set!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lemon Francis0
    United States2 years ago
  • Simply love!!

    True news about China! In this podcast, everyone needs to hear and know about this mysterious history on the earth. Things that deserve to be discovered. Please keep it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gary.Ley
    United States2 years ago
  • White Stupa Temple!

    So killing messages about White Pagoda, a renowned Chinese Buddhist temple! If I were in India, I'd have a vacation trip to this historical Temple. Hoping to see the Chinese cultural and bureaucratic models of religion next year. -- From Austin.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Michael A. Farrell
    United States2 years ago
  • Li Gonglin

    One of the most famous painters of the Middle Ages in China. I came across first time and learned much about our country's Metal Gods like him. Keen to listen to more epis about him.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Patricia C. O'Donnell
    United States2 years ago
  • Getting back to the 11th century!

    Phenomenal segment! This helps reminisce us about the High Middle Ages. While listening to the podcast I discovered myself, I think I was lost in the deep history of paintings. We should remember this phenomenal painter of the glorious age.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mary C. Moll
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the rigorous research and documentary style.
The host's narration brings historical events to life with clarity.
Episodes often connect ancient history to broader themes in culture and politics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#198
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#226
India/History

Top History Podcasts

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History That Doesn't SuckProf. Greg Jackson

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Climate Special 13: Clean Competition (I)
Q: How do China and the US differ in their energy structures and approaches to the green transition?
Zou Ji outlines multiple differences, including China's rapid increase in renewable energy capacity, while the US faces challenges in reducing fossil fuel reliance and implementing the Inflation Reduction Act.
Climate Special 13: Clean Competition (I)
Q: Why do you see green and low carbon development as opportunities for countries at different stages of development?
Zou Ji emphasizes that green development can stimulate demand and economic growth, particularly for countries in the global south, through access to renewable energy.
Climate Special 13: Clean Competition (I)
Q: Has the green transition become a global consensus and an irreversible trend?
Yes, Zou Ji indicates that global warming has led to significant binding agreements for climate governance, establishing a broad consensus.
Climate Special 11: Cooler Relations (I)
Q: What potential impact do you foresee a second Trump administration having on global climate governance?
Stern expressed concern that a second Trump administration would likely withdraw from the Paris Agreement and hinder climate change action, though local actions might continue.
Climate Special 11: Cooler Relations (I)
Q: How has the US's approach and momentum in addressing climate change evolved?
Stern noted that the approach has shifted significantly post-elections, with various initiatives under different administrations impacting climate policy progress.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Context

What is The Context about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show delivers in-depth explorations of China's histories, weaving archaeology, art, diplomacy, and cultural heritage into narrative histories. A consistent through-line is how past peoples, artifacts, and institutions shaped modern perspectives, often featuring on-site descriptions, expert commentary, and a documentary storytelling style. Noteworthy are the episodes that connect ancient rituals and artifacts to climate, governance, and long-running cultural narratives, offering a rich, education-forward experience for listeners curious about China's past and its lasting impact on today's world.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Context?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Context. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Context and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The Context get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Context have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Context has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of The Context are there?

The Context launched 4 years ago and published 328 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Context?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Context?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Context from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on The Context?

Recent guests on The Context include:

1. Liu Rui
2. Sitar Dorja
3. Tenzin Yeshe
4. Michael Dembro
5. Chen Boping
6. Wang Yanhui
7. Eugene D. Soroka
8. Chen Boeping

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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