As both a tea devotee and an Asian growing up in Australia, this conversation hit me on many different levels, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring it to you all.
Today’s conversation is with the inspiring Charlie Há Cheeseman, a first generation Australian born of Vietnamese descent, and the founder of ‘The Hive’.
The Hive is a tea house in devotion to the old way, through the art, musings and wisdom of tea in ceremony. A space of contemplation, meditation, cultural & social conversation.
In this interview, Charlie explores the profound depths of tea beyond its common perception as a simple beverage, and introduce it as a medicine for personal, spiritual and cultural connection.
Through personal anecdotes, Charlie shares his journey of cultural reclamation, his efforts to preserve indigenous tea culture in Vietnam, and the broader implications of tea as a bridge to self-awareness, community, and nature.
This convo is for anyone who desires a simpler, more fulfilling life and for change-makers who want to make a positive impact on the world.
Chapters:
(04:10) Introduction and Welcome
(04:39) Understanding Tea: Beverage vs. Medicine
(05:31) The Tiers of Tea Quality
(09:24) The Rise of Old Tree Tea
(13:18) Tea as a Gateway to Spirituality
(21:38) Personal Journey: Reconnecting with Culture
(29:21) Discovering Tea in Vietnam
(31:15) The Psychoactive Effects of Tea
(33:25) The Meditative Essence of Tea
(34:12) Tea as a Gateway to Nature
(35:28) Introducing The Hive
(36:07) Cultural Reclamation and The Hive's Mission
(38:08) Challenges of Running a Heart-Led Business
(38:24) The Ethics of Tea Pricing
(39:48) Opening a Tea House
(46:08) The Magic of Tea Culture
(54:09) Preserving Indigenous Tea Traditions
(01:02:10) Making a Difference, One Step at a Time
(01:06:02) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with The Hive
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