I gave a review of The History of China Podcast, but there’s another very similarly named podcast called The China History Podcast that I’ve been listening to as well. Almost the same name, but actually quite different in style and content. The China History Podcast is hosted by Laszlo Montgomery, a radio host that made the transition to podcasts. Laszlo hosts several podcasts, all on Chinese material.
Laszlo’s approach is quite different than Chris’s from The History of China Podcast. Chris mostly goes chronologically through each dynasty of Chinese history. While Laszlo’s early episodes covered just the barebones from prehistory through the Qing. After completing that he has bounced around covering whatever topic he wants. With his biweekly releases he dives deeper on Chinese culture, both traditional and modern. He does specials on modern Chinese celebrities, mostly business people and politicians. Each topic can get a single episode or up to around ten depending on how much there is to say and how much Laszlo wants to talk about it.
Laszlo’s style is obviously more slow and meandering than Chris’s. Once a given topic is completed you won’t be able to guess what he’ll do next. Is it an episode on tea? Is it on a modern figure? An ancient one? Chinese music? Laszlo gives an excellent picture of what China is today and how it came to be that way, but how he composes that picture is entirely up to him.
Laszlo’s style is also much more like a traditional radio broadcast. He introduces himself and has a sign off phrase that includes his own name to build recognition of his personal brand. No shame in that, that’s what radio hosts do to earn a living. I’m actually not sure that Chris has ever said his own name on his podcast. If he hadn’t recorded interview specials or written his name in the podcast notes he would probably be just “the narrator.” Because I’m used to Chris’s casual presentation style, Laszlo has felt formal and pretentious, but I also feel that I’m only noticing that because the juxtaposition is so clear. Laszlo’s style is really just a traditional presentation that fits more with a show on NPR.
I’ve listened almost all the way through Chris’s The History of China Podcast and while I’ve listened to quite a few of Laszlo’s The China History Podcast I still feel I’m just scratching the surface of what he’s done. If you are interested in learning more about China as it is today I would definitely recommend Laszlo. If you specifically want Chinese history in an ordered and digestible fashion, Chris is the better choice.
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