On April 22, 2025, Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Library, in collaboration with the Gender Studies Lab of the Humanities Research Center (HRC), the Environmental Research Center (ERC), and the Cultures and Movements Major, invited the three hosts of a well-known Chinese podcast “Stochastic Volatility”—Zhiqi Zhang, Shiye Fu, and Jianguo Leng—for an engaging and insightful panel discussion. The event was co-moderated by Dr. Binbin Li, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences, and Mengjie Zou, Interim University Librarian and Research and Instruction Librarian of DKU Library.
The event attracted 92 students, faculty members, staff and podcast fans, all eager to engage with the voices behind what TIME has dubbed “the largest feminist-themed podcast in China.” With over 3 million subscribers since its founding in 2020, Stochastic Volatility has grown into a multi-platform media space dedicated to exploring gender, culture, and the environment through open dialogue and critical storytelling.
Behind the Microphone: A Story of Friendship, Media, and Feminism
The event unfolded as a deeply personal yet intellectually rich exchange. The three hosts recounted how their paths first crossed through academia and media. Zhiqi and Shiye met during their graduate studies in anthropology at Columbia University, while Jianguo, a seasoned editor, was Zhiqi’s mentor during an internship at Jiemian Culture. Their shared journalistic backgrounds and curiosity led them to experiment with podcasting in 2019. What began as an informal exploration has now grown into a full-time career for all three.
“We never expected it to become a profession,” said Zhang. “We simply followed our interest, and it turned into something much bigger than we imagined.”
A Platform for Voices that Matter
The conversation delved into how the trio selects topics and guests for their podcast—initially relying on friends and colleagues, later expanding to prominent thinkers and authors as their reputation grew. The podcast has become a rare platform for in-depth discussions on gender-based violence, feminism in everyday life, sexuality, history, anthropology, environment and social critique.
“Our listeners often write to us,” shared Leng. “Those letters remind us that this platform is not just ours—it’s a shared space for thinking and feeling through complicated realities.”
New Voices in Print
Expanding their impact beyond podcasting, the hosts have also ventured into print media through their new book series, Stochastic Library. The first two books, published by New Star Press in spring 2025, are now available in the Library.
《 性别：女 》
“Gender: Female” focuses on women’s lived experiences and feminist thinking, covering themes like sex education, creative expression, and generational conflict.
《赞美不沉默》
“Praise Without Silence” features critical dialogues with scholars and public intellectuals on memory, history, and civic responsibility in turbulent times.
Gender and the Environment: Interwoven Realities
With Dr. Li as moderator, the panel also explored the intersection between gender and environmental issues—how both fields of concern can be shaped by power, narrative, and embodied experience. The hosts acknowledged that their growing interest in nature and environmental topics has become a natural extension of their feminist lens.
Reflections on Growth, Anxiety, and Staying True
The discussion didn’t shy away from the challenges of sustaining independent media. As the Chinese podcasting landscape continues to evolve, the trio reflected on how Stochastic Volatility maintains its cultural and ethical positioning amidst waves of commercialization.
“We are still a cultural podcast,” emphasized Zhang. “And we’re cautious of receiving too much attention. We want to keep our freedom and spontaneity.”
Continuing the Conversation
During the Q&A session, students raised thoughtful questions and shared their own reflections, including concerns about the pressures of motherhood and whether the podcast would consider creating a video version in the future. The hosts responded thoughtfully, encouraging open dialogue about life choices and discussing the balance between maintaining their podcast’s depth and the growing influence of video-based media.
When asked for advice for students interested in podcasting, their message was simple: “Just start. Do it because you care. If it matters to you, it will matter to someone else too.”
As the discussion drew to a close, an on-site book signing provided attendees with a unique opportunity to connect with the authors. The event not only deepened the community’s understanding of feminist media practices but also inspired new ideas about the intersections of gender, culture, and the environment. DKU Library looks forward to continuing to host similar events that foster critical thinking and community engagement.
- Content | DKU Library News Team
- Photo | Chenyue Tong
