Episode 158: Bing Chen Discusses Gold House Legacy
Bing Chen is the Executive Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder of Gold House, a leading cultural ecosystem dedicated to empowering Asian Pacific creators and entrepreneurs to drive societal change. A visionary leader in media and diversity, Bing was formerly YouTube’s Global Head of Creator Development and Management, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the global creator economy. He has been recognized on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and honored as a Hollywood Reporter Next Gen Leader and ABC News History Maker. Bing also serves on numerous boards, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers. He is a Harvard-educated strategist known for building community-driven initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices. Through Gold House and beyond, Bing continues to push boundaries in media, venture capital, and cross-cultural innovation.
In this episode, Bing brings wit, vulnerability, and visionary insight to the conversation. He discusses his upbringing as a Taiwanese-American in the South, his early confidence, and how experiences in Shanghai helped shape his understanding of racism and privilege. He gives a masterclass in the creator economy, offering tips for monetization, longevity, and community building. He also dives into Gold House’s mission to make Asian-led creativity mainstream, explaining its work in film, venture, music, and health. Throughout, Bing emphasizes the importance of shared humanity over divisions and champions a collaborative, abundance-minded future.
Parents, Prom, and the Cabbage Patch: Childhood and Family Stories: Bing shares hilarious and heartfelt stories about his parents’ immigration, cultural quirks, and growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee. This includes some very memorable (and very real) parental sex talk. (2:25)
Magic Bikes and Southern Roots: Growing Up Asian in the South: Bing reflects on his unique childhood experience in a mostly white Southern town, noting how he didn’t face racism until moving to California. He discusses confidence, energy, and how being different can actually attract others. (5:45)
Band Geeks and Prom Regrets: High School and Identity Formation: In this personal segment, Bing opens up about high school, popularity, belonging to many social circles, and his bittersweet prom story. He touches on early lessons in connection and rejection. (8:00)
Buffets, Boys’ Clubs, and Chubby Cattle: Food as a Love Language: Ami and Bing bond over their love of buffets, with Bing recounting how he formed a boys’ club just to avoid eating alone at Hometown Buffet. He drops a hidden gem recommendation in NYC and name-drops Chubby Cattle Group. (12:45)
Building YouTube and the Creator Economy From Scratch: Bing gets into the serious stuff: his pivotal role at YouTube, how he helped coin “creator,” and what current creators need to know about sustaining success. This is a goldmine for anyone working in media or content creation. (14:00)
Gold House = The Asian Disney?: Changing Culture at Scale: Bing breaks down what Gold House actually does—from investing in ventures to pushing Asian narratives in film, music, and business. He compares it to the rise of hip-hop and explains the long-term cultural strategy. (20:30)
We’re More Similar Than We Think”: Stereotypes and Species-Level Thinking: In a profound and slightly controversial segment, Bing argues that the most damaging stereotype isn’t about race—but about our belief that we’re all so different. He emphasizes unity over hyper-specificity. (30:00)
Candy, Concerts, and Cracking From Burnout: Rapid Fire and Vulnerability: In a fun, fast-paced wrap-up, Bing talks about burnout, sour candy as therapy, why he doesn’t complain, and his love for Tupac and Hans Zimmer. He ends on a strong note about ethics, ambition, and resilience. (37:30)
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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.