We had the good fortune of connecting with Shuhui Yao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shuhui, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The cornerstone of the success behind “Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall” is deeply rooted in the synergy and collaborative spirit of our team—Josué, Andrew, Sulwyn and myself. Our journey from inception to the successful launch of the podcast has been enriched by our shared history as NYU alumni, where our paths first crossed, and underpinned by mutual trust, unwavering dedication, and a collective passion for storytelling and cultural exploration.

Josué has been instrumental in shaping the vision and direction of the podcast. His fresh enthusiasm for Chinese mythology and technical skills have been pivotal from the project’s inception. Following Josué, Andrew’s expertise in theater has been invaluable; he brings a unique perspective that complements my translations and narrations, ensuring the essence of each story is preserved while making it accessible to a global audience. Sulwyn, our talented music composer, enriches each episode with an auditory landscape that draws from a deep understanding of Chinese musical traditions.

Our success is a testament to the trust we place in each other’s expertise and judgment. This foundational trust has fostered an environment where creative ideas thrive, and feedback is both given and received with openness and respect. Rooted in our shared experiences and education, we operate on a foundation of good work ethic, ensuring that every episode is produced with the highest quality and integrity.

The dynamic interplay of perspectives within our team is crucial. Our brainstorming sessions, reminiscent of our collaborative efforts back at NYU, are vibrant and creative, where no idea is too small or outlandish. This ensures that “Shrouded Stories” remains innovative and engaging, as each of us brings unique strengths and insights to the table.

We owe a great deal of our success to the unwavering support of our friends and family. Their encouragement, feedback, and belief in our vision have been indispensable. This extended network of support has been a constant source of strength and inspiration, enabling us to navigate challenges and continuously improve our work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Crafting the narrative of “Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall” as an art form involves delving into the essence of audio storytelling, the uniqueness of our approach, and the journey that brought us here.

What sets us apart is our attention to the sonic landscape we create for each story. Through a blend of music, narration, and sound effects, we craft an auditory environment that not only tells a story but also evokes the emotions, settings, and cultural nuances of ancient China. Our music, composed with a deep understanding of Chinese musical traditions, sets the tone and atmosphere, while SFX breathe life into the scenes, making myths feel present and tangible. The bilingual narration bridges the gap between cultures, making these ancient tales accessible to a global audience.

One of the aspects I’m most proud of is our discussion episodes. Recognizing the curiosity our stories spark, we dedicate episodes to delve into questions and discussions from our audience. These sessions allow us to explore the cultural, historical, and thematic depths of Chinese mythology in a conversational format, fostering a deeper connection with our listeners and enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the stories.

Getting to where we are today was far from easy. The journey involved countless hours of research, translation, adaptation, and creative production. Challenges ranged from ensuring the authenticity of our stories to mastering the technical aspects of audio storytelling. Overcoming these hurdles required perseverance, a willingness to learn, and an unwavering commitment to our vision. Collaboration and feedback were our greatest tools, allowing us to refine our approach and continuously improve our craft.

What I want the world to know about “Shrouded Stories” and our team is that we are driven by a passion for storytelling and a deep respect for cultural heritage. Our podcast is not only entertainment; it’s an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology and to see the world through the lens of its ancient tales. We are storytellers at heart, dedicated to sharing the beauty and wisdom of these stories with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start our day with a leisurely brunch at a local café, soaking in the relaxed ambiance and preparing for a day of exploration. Our first major stop would be the Huntington Library, where we’d wander through the botanic gardens and art galleries. I’d make sure to show them the Desert Garden for its breathtaking views and the Chinese Garden, which holds a special place in my heart as it’s styled after the gardens of Suzhou, my hometown, providing a beautiful blend of nature and artistry. For dinner, we’d indulge in the culinary excellence of Bistro Na’s, a Michelin-starred restaurant where I’d have booked the Peking duck in advance, given their exclusive preparation of only eight per day. This would offer a taste of luxury and the exquisite flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine. As the day turns into evening, we’d cap off our adventure at Griffith Observatory, where we’d gaze upon the sprawling cityscape below, a perfect backdrop to reflect on the day’s experiences and the beauty of the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In addition to our core team, I must give a shout out to the support team, whose contributions have been indispensable to the success of “Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall.”

William Neace and Alexandra Funes, both behind the camera, have provided invaluable feedback and visual storytelling that captures the essence of our podcast. Sarah Taggart, our social media strategist, has played a key role in engaging our audience and spreading our stories across platforms. Arman Taheri, with his video editing prowess, and Kimya Taheri, responsible for visual support and our press kit, have added critical dimensions to our storytelling and presentation. Ursula Yang, the artist behind our visually captivating logo, typography, and art, has defined the aesthetic of our brand.

Each of these talented individuals has contributed significantly to our journey, enriching our project with their expertise, creativity, and support. It’s with deep gratitude that I dedicate this shoutout to them, acknowledging their integral role in bringing “Shrouded Stories: Beyond The Great Wall” to life and connecting it with audiences worldwide.

Website: https://www.shroudedstories.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shrouded_stories/

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shuhui-lilly-yao-5806b9a3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094506124384

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShroudedStoriesPodcast

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YMGCEBAbgrl5pgMM4Mcc0?si=d1ff7a5d397a404f&nd=1&dlsi=0e0d6c2a02e248e2 ApplePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrouded-stories-beyond-the-great-wall/id1726472280 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shrouded.stories?_t=8jnwCm4Lpqo&_r=1

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.