Tan Lah Podcast

What happens when you take a pause from optimizing hydrogen energy systems to cross the country on a bicycle with zero planning? 🚴‍♂️💨We are broadcasting from the VP Center of Clean Energy at Tsinghua University to take a break from the daily grind with Maximilian Arras. Max is wrapping up his PhD in Power Engineering, but outside the lab, he actively avoids a "one-dimensional life" through over-the-board chess and extreme endurance sports.We dive into the stark contrast between the intense academic bubble and the freedom of the open road across two epic bike rides. From packing just 8kg of gear and winging an 800km ride to Qingdao, to taking on a massive 1,300km cross-country route from Xi'an to Chongqing—where Max survived a freezing three-hour climb in the Qinling Mountains. We also look back at an unforgettable overnight stay at a rural section of the Great Wall, and Max shares the humbling reality of running the Seoul Marathon and Xiamen Triathlon alongside his naturally talented partner, Rosie. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️If you’ve ever felt entirely defined by your degree or job title, this episode is your sign to step out and find your own dimension.Listen to the full conversation now!Episode Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: Broadcasting from Tsinghua University in Beijing and breaking down the Tan Lah philosophy.2:15 – Beyond the PhD Bubble: How a hydrogen energy researcher finds mental balance through competitive over-the-board chess.5:30 – The East Coast Expedition (Beijing to Qingdao): Packing minimal luggage (8kg) and trusting the process on an unplanned 800km multi-day ride to the coast.10:45 – Conquering the Pass (Xi'an to Chongqing): Tackling the massive elevation of the Qinling Mountains, battling freezing rain for three hours, and experiencing the kindness of strangers on the road.13:54 – A Night on the Great Wall: Reminiscing about winter jackets, freezing temperatures, and an unforgettable overnight hangout at a rural section of the wall.14:43 – Racing with Rosie: Conquering the Seoul Marathon and Xiamen Triathlon, and the funny, humbling dynamic of racing alongside a naturally athletic partner who makes it look effortless.18:30 – The Takeaway: Max's ultimate advice for anyone feeling trapped in the daily grind: do not live a one-dimensional life.

MJ(Man Jing) Kong is a science communicator, content creator, and the mind behind the wildly popular educational channel @justkeepthinking.Why is science so hard for people to care about? We have all the research, all the facts, and all the experts telling us the planet is in a crisis, yet most people just scroll past it. We leave crucial information stuck inside unread research papers and closed negotiating rooms. Maybe the problem isn't the science itself, but the way we communicate it. So how do you take complex climate data and turn it into engaging, educational content that actually mobilizes millions?Expect to learn how MJ Kong transitioned from studying environmental biology to building a massive social media presence, why keeping science locked away is failing the climate movement, the exact strategy to communicate effectively to everyday people and funders alike, why doing things in "our own little ways" actually creates the most powerful collective impact, how a love for biodiversity sparked a lifelong mission, and much more…

Alice Ho is a dedicated climate advocate and a relentless force at UN climate conferences.Why does global climate action feel so slow, yet so urgent? We’re facing massive environmental threats, international policies are incredibly complicated, and attending giant conferences can feel overwhelming yet advocates keep showing up. Maybe the fight for our future gets more effective when you find your exact niche instead of trying to carry the weight of the whole world. So how do you maintain your passion, avoid burnout, and actually drive progress year after year?Expect to learn what it’s really like on the ground at COP30, how the global climate conversation has shifted since our last summit, the actual achievements that are born when countries finally come together, how Alice carved out her specific role in the movement, the power of learning programs within her organization, how emerging technologies are completely reshaping climate solutions, the secret to staying consistent in advocacy, and much more…